Tenth annual toy drive for Sioux children

Andover — The Andover Presbyterian Church Youth Connection is sponsoring their 10th Annual Toy Drive for Sioux Children living on Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, S.D. Items will be collected until Saturday Dec. 9. They can be dropped off at Andover Presbyterian Church, (Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.), Lake Lenape Rd,, between Routes 206 and 517), Andover; Trailerama, Rte. 206, Byram Township; and Swim Fitness Center, Building A, 250 Sparta Ave., Sparta. Attach $1 to each toy to help cover shipping costs. “Every year, I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in our area.,” said Tricia Sedivy, Church Elder. “ I had a call from the reservation last week asking if we were going to be able to do the toy drive again. They were ecstatic when I said ‘yes’. For the many of the children on Cheyenne River Sioux Reservation, the toy they receive from this toy drive is their only Christmas gift. Individually, we can each do a little. But, together, we can do a lot.” “Toys for all ages age needed - infant to teenager. Because of the shipping costs, we cannot accept bikes or other large items.,” according to Dee Schoonover, Christian Education Supervisor. “ If you are donating a battery operated toy, please include extra batteries. Many families cannot afford to buy replacement batteries.” According to Sedivy, the toys are not wrapped here. Wrapping paper and tape are sent with the toys to Gloria Sitting Crow, Head Start Director, Eagle Butte S.D. “Gloria and a several other adults wrap and distribute the toys to the neediest families,” Sedivy said. “Donations of candy canes, wrapping paper and tape are also appreciated.” For more information, contact Andover Presbyterian Church 973-786-5904 or Tricia Sedivy, 973-476-6268.