Loveland Initiative is proud once again to host the 11th Annual Christmas Toy Store. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, especially for children. With our annual Toy Store, we make it just as wonderful for low-income parents.

The Toy Store was created to help families who could not afford toys and gifts. Purchasing toys and gifts at a discount helps parents feel that they are contributing to their child's Christmas while enabling the parents to choose items based on their child's interests and needs.

We are committed to using the money raised by the Toy Store for the betterment of children and families in Loveland. The past 7 years, the money raised has been used for the Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund which assists a student to further his or her education. We are very proud that twelve college scholarships have been awarded to Loveland graduates. Each year, we award a $1500 scholarship. Any additional money raised will go towards our other educational programs. We feel that one of the ways to empower people is through education and this is the way to break the cycle of poverty. Without you, we cannot offer help to these children.

Approximately 200+ children from low-income families in the Loveland area will receive gifts via our Toy Store. Each family will sign up (Pre-register and financially qualify) for a specific shopping slot and they will be able to purchase approximately 3-5 gifts per child. Parents/Grandparents come into a store setting (set up by volunteers) with tables marked by price to purchase items for $0.50 to $5 per gift. The 11th Annual Christmas Toy Store will be held at the Loveland Fireman’s VFW Hall 227 East Loveland Avenue on Thursday, December 18 2008. We will be accepting donations of NEW UNWRAPPED toys and gifts for children, preteens and teens. (See attached suggested gift list).

Please drop off donated toys and gifts at the Loveland Initiative, 405 Loveland-Madeira Rd (across from the Goodwill), every Monday between 6:30pm-8:30pm starting November 3, 10, 17, 24 & December 1, 8. Last minute items can be dropped off at the Loveland Fireman’s VFW Hall 227 East Loveland Avenue on Tuesday, December 16 2:00pm-7:00pm, Wednesday, December 17 2:00pm-7:00pm, and Thursday, December 18 12:00pm-9:00pm. We can also make arrangements to pick up gifts. In addition to gifts, we always need volunteers for pick-up, wrapping, displays and transportation. We are confident that our community will once again come together to help the children and the families in Loveland. Please feel free to call or e-mail lovelandinitiative@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns.

Thank you in advance for your help!

Sincerely,

Terri Rogers 677-1057/255-6821

Lill Lane 774.7878