The room was full of some of the most famous names in children's games and toys.

Barbie, Mickey Mouse, Paw Patrol, Hot Wheels, Parker Brothers board games and baby dolls.

These and many more names, along with a variety of other toys, games, dolls and books were available for parents looking for Christmas presents for their children.

And each of these gifts for area children was a gift from a Vinton area resident, part of the annual effort to make sure that every child has a chance to enjoy something new for Christmas.

Every year, around 300 familes benefit from the generosity of area residents through the Angel Tree and other Christmas giving programs.

This year, 300 families signed up for the Angel Tree and Christmas gift program.

Lynette Parker leads the effort. She and other volunteers will spend the next few days distributing the toys and clothing to the parents who had signed up for the program. Several area businesses and residents selected cards from the trees located in the U.S. and Farmers Bank lobbies and returned wrapped presents for a specific child.

Many others donated toys and gifts throughout December. Wesley United Methodist Church made a sizeable contribution to the effort as well. Stuff the Bus is part of the effort sponsored by WMT radio's toy drive which took place at Theisen's this year. Parker is able to gather toys from the extras given out in Cedar Rapids by the Salvation Army. Parker said that she was able to bring 9 collection boxes home to Vinton for the giveaway this year. Arnold Motor Supply also had a tree for customers to place gifts under this year.

Every year it is a struggle for Parker to find a location to hold the giveaway. The kindness of landlords with open buildings makes the project available to families. "We need a building with a lot of space," said Parker. The program requires about a solid month to set up and distribute, then tear down again.

Parker was also hit by a break-in at one of her two storage units where toys worth several hundreds of dollars were destroyed.

The toy giveaway touches many in the area. One mother broke down when she received her gifts. It is in these moments that all of the efforts are worth it to Parker.


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