EASTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — For the primary time in years, the Ionia County Toys for Tots program is not going to be working this vacation season as a consequence of a scarcity of staffing. However one native mother is stepping up to verify youngsters and households nonetheless really feel the magic of Christmas.
When guests search Ionia County on the Toys for Tots web site, the message is obvious: “Not Covered.” The nationwide group confirmed the reason being easy — nobody signed as much as coordinate the native program this yr.
However that’s one thing Alyssa Scheffler couldn’t ignore.
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“Christmas isn’t just about the receiving … it’s also about the giving aspect,” Scheffler mentioned.
Sheffler is aware of firsthand how vital this system may be.
“I resigned from my previous employer and I used Toys for Tots to kind of help out throughout the Christmas season with my kids. I’ve got five kids,” she mentioned. “We were at a point where it’s Christmas or bills. On one income in this economy … it’s, you know, hard.”
Now again on her toes, she says she wished to present again.
“One day, when I can, when I’m in that spot I want my kids to know this is how Christmas happened,” Scheffler mentioned. “I can give back to take that burden off of somebody else’s household.”
However when she seemed on-line, she observed one thing was incorrect. That discovery impressed her to launch her personal initiative — Vacation Hearts of Ionia County.
“It’s only been up two days and there’s like over 120 people now and it just keeps growing and growing,” she mentioned.
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The hassle already has dozens of households signed up and a number of other donation websites throughout the county. Nonetheless, Scheffler admits she will be able to’t do it alone.
“Honestly I don’t know what I’m doing, you know what I mean? I don’t. I’m not a nonprofit organization. I’m just a mom out here trying to help,” she mentioned.
The Vacation Hearts Fb group has solely been lively just a few days, however already has round 60 youngsters registered and greater than a dozen drop-off areas for donations.
Anybody all for fostering a household, changing into a donation web site or registering to obtain assist can attain out at [email protected].
