More than 2,300 individuals are signed up for the 38th Annual Holiday Toy and Food Distribution, which is set for next week.
No more registrations will be taken.
The main distribution day is Dec. 12, with a food-only distribution day happening Dec. 11. The event is held at the West Virginia National Guard Morgantown Readiness Center.
The distribution — organized by the United Way of Monongalia and Preston Counties and Christian Help — aims to give families and individuals in need the opportunity to have a great holiday filled with food and toys.
“The amount of people signing up for this distribution has been staggering this year, but it’s so amazing to be able to give them some food and toys to make their holiday more fulfilling. I’m blessed to be a part of it,” said Janette Lewis, community impact director for the United Way. “What’s really surprising this year is the amount of people who have signed up for our food-only distribution. I’m so happy we can provide that to them.”
“The food comes from the Mon County Schools collection competition and Mountaineer Food Bank,” said Jessica Staley, United Way’s Family Resource Network manager. “Those are our two biggest food donors.”
Twelve area schools compete to collect the most food for the event. The winning elementary, middle and high schools receive free DJ dances, which are sponsored by Kroger.
Two Mountaineer Food Bank trucks will also take food to the event. On Wednesday, a small box truck will take 15,000-20,000 pounds of food. Another truckload with 38,000-40,000 pounds of food will arrive Dec. 12.
Thanks to a partnership with Toys for Tots, as well as various collections around the area, families with children will be able to pick out toys to take home. Pittsburgh Paintball Park even hosted an open play day to collect toy donations. It featured several paintball groups, including SAS Woodsball West Virginia Chapter.
The Monongalia County Humane Society will hand out food for dogs, cats, birds and even fish both days.
Books A Million hosted a book drive and is donating the items to the distribution, so in addition to food and toys, every child will receive a book.
Hot cocoa will be available for people as they wait in line, which is new this year. And there will also be two portable toilets available, which were donated by Portable Toilet Rentals.
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