An update from It Takes a Village:
Decking the Hilltowns with toys and winter warmth
Huntington, MA
Several businesses, schools, and agencies in the Hilltowns are collecting toys and winter clothing to benefit local families through It Take a Village, a small nonprofit based in Huntington, MA. “The number of groups wanting to get involved this year is incredible!” says Lisa Goding, Program Director at It Takes a Village. The nonprofit manages the Village Closet, a donation center full of free baby and children’s clothing, diapers, and other essential supplies. Last year, the Village Closet welcomed over 600 families between Thanksgiving and Christmas, distributing over $80,000 in toys, books, and winter clothing.
“The holidays are always a busy time for us,” says Goding, “and this year we expect even more families to need this support.” Inflation and supply chain issues are still impacting family staples like groceries, diapers, and baby formula, and fears over continued economic decline have families nervous for the new year. “If we can provide a coat and a toy or two for the holidays, that’s one less thing a parent has to worry about.”
Among the groups organizing collection drives is the Huntington Fire Department. On Saturday, December 16, Santa himself will participate in the town’s annual Parade of Lights, riding around town on a fire truck. In addition to handing out candy door-to-door, Santa will collect new, unwrapped toys from any house who wishes to donate. Families can also drop off toys at the Huntington Fire Department at an open house from 8am-1pm on the 16th. "We look forward to working with It Takes A Village for our first toy drive to hopefully provide much needed relief for families during the holiday season,” says Josh Ellinger, Huntington’s Fire Chief. “It is our mission to provide fire protection and safety to the community but if we can help in other small ways then that makes our roles that much greater."
Other agencies and businesses collecting toys and winter gear:
Toys
Northampton Key Club Toy Exchange - drop off Fri 12/1 5-8pm, 380 Elm St, Northampton, MA 01060
Jacey Anastasio Photography - Sun 12/3, 10am-1pm, Wahconah Country Club, 20 Orchard Rd, Dalton, MA
Chester/Blandford Police Department - Sat 12/2 9am-12pm, Blandford Town Hall; Sat 12/9, 9am-12pm, Chester Town Hall - Enjoy some hot cocoa and carols!
Williamsburg Hair - through Sun 12/10, 45A Main Street, Williamsburg, MA
Gateway Regional Project 351 - through Tues 12/14, 12 Littleville Rd, Huntington, MA
Huntington Fire Department - Sat 12/16 8am-1pm Open House, 8 Russell Rd, Huntington, MA; give directly to Santa during the Parade of Lights started at 4pm
Dollar General - through Sat 12/18, 45 Blandford Stage Road Russell, MA
Coats
New Hingham PTO - through 12/8, 30 Smith Rd, Chesterfield, MA
Done Right Chimney - through 12/9, 49 Main St, Unit #4, Williamsburg, MA
Families will be able to shop for toys for free at the Village Closet during the week of December 18. Please visit www.hilltownvillage.org/closet for details on open hours that week.
Community members who wish to donate winter coats and toys may contact any of the groups involved, or donate directly to the Village Closet, 2 East Main Street in Huntington, during their open hours, Sundays and Mondays 11am-2pm, and the first Tuesday of the month from 5-7pm. For more information, please visit www.hilltownvillage.org or call It Takes a Village at 413-650-3640.
Contact:
Mollie Hartford
2 East Main Street, Huntington, MA
413-650-3640
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