Onawa-Blencoe Knights conduct toy drive

The Onawa-Blencoe Knights of Columbus Christmas Toy Drive was held to to make a merrier Christmas for area children and their families. 

New toys, food items and clothing were donated by generous folks visiting and shopping at Bomgaars, Dollar General (2), Lewis Pharmacy and Sunshine Foods.  Parishioners of St. John and St. Bernard churches offered donations and cash gifts. 
 
The final pickup was on  Dec. 16 with the Knights delivering all items to the Hope EFC Youth Services building located at 2160 Iowa Avenue in Onawa.

Amy Johnston, director of West Central Outreach in Onawa, and her staff of volunteers received the donations which they sorted, bagged, boxed and prepared for pick up by residents in Monona County.
 
“The items we received from the Knights of Columbus, including a cash gift, and from individuals and businesses who give generously by 'adopting' a family goes a long way toward helping our friends and neighbors enjoy a merrier Christmas," Johnson said.  

The director pointed out that the need was very high this year.
 
"This year it seems we need so much more of everything…toys, clothing, food and cash to assist needy families in the county. We have our highest total ever (74) of families that signed-up and were identified as needing help," she added. "We have their information on genders, ages, sizes and even 'likes'...and sort the items accordingly for the families. We hope to at least come close to help them meet their Christmas needs during this holiday season."  
 
The public can help by adopting a family or donating to the Toy Drive. For more information, contact WCO at (712) 423-2603. Any help throughout the year is greatly appreciated