Here's a few photos from yesterday. Mark Perry and I dropped off the toys.
We were both impressed with the way GRACE gets the toys in to their clients hands.
Toys are brought to a large storage area. They are in a 10,000 sq. ft. building. Half of the main storage area is decorated and set up like a store. Toys are categorized and placed on shelves and beneath trees. Volunteers are in a continual process of moving toys from the staging area to the store.
All of the clients are screened and approved. GRACE operates throughout the year offering assistance to families, focusing on women, who are living at, or up to 125% of poverty level. During the holiday season, they accept families who are up to 185% of poverty level. The thought is that these families can get by during the year, but that the holiday season can really stress their budget.
Approved clients enter the front of the building, check in and have a room to wait with cookies and beverages. Only 3 or so are allowed in the "store" at once. Upon checking in, they receive coupons based on need and number of children. Mark commented that he really liked the way they distribute the toys. He said, "It seems to alloy them more dignity getting to choose what they want."
Only the mothers do the shopping. The mothers also get a little surprise, in that there are items set aside for them as well ... vacuum cleaners, blenders, plate sets and the like.
GRACE sent a big thank you to all the TFF and THF members for the toy drive.
I feel honored to be part of this group of people. The TFF and THF members always step up to the plate when it comes to charity.
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