I had the pleasure of seeing some of the students wearing their new jackets, sneakers, and sweaters at school. I have already been approached by the teachers about the Angel Tree asking how to get kids on the list for next year.
It was early in the morning when I heard the doorbell. I got my robe and opened the blind and to my shock there was a crowd of Christmas Elves at my door.
I got my children up and opened the door and we were overwhelmed with so much cheer, love, hope, and kindness and of course toys and goodies!!! I have never forgotten that Christmas. It felt so good to be seen and remembered by Christ!
Over the past two years, the Lowcountry Toy Drive has made an incredible impact on the families we serve—supporting 14 of our families and bringing happiness to a total of 47 children.
Each of these families were facing significant financial and personal challenges, and thanks to your generous assistance, they were able to experience a holiday season without the burden of Christmas expenses.
Why we do what we do.....
Since 2018, we have collected toys and monetary donations that go directly back to the families that need it the most. Each year, families are chosen from the partnerships we've made in the local schools and organizations to identify children that need assistance in providing a cheerful and joyful Christmas.
By providing toys, gift cards, clothing, and even helping to pay for utilities, we hope to make the holidays brighter for the families we help. While we realize we may not be able to change a family’s financial circumstances, providing them one day of magic has the ability to improve their spirits for a lifetime.
Christmas-time can often be a stark reminder to children-in-need that others are more fortunate than they are. They see their friends getting a new video game, new shoes, or other items that create envy. With the generous donations of money, time, and by adopting families, you have the ability to let those children experience happiness instead of shame.
The Lowcountry Toy Drive was created by Ken Glasson, Lt. Colonel, USMC (ret.). His passion for helping underprivileged children began 27 years ago when he lived in the Charleston area and led a team to collect toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots. He was inspired by the thousands of people that would show up to the annual Gala which raised more than $100,000 annually but he questioned whether the children were receiving what they truly wanted. One year, Ken noticed that a 16-year-old girl received a doll. While it was a sweet gift, he wondered if she would have rather had something similar to what her peers received - a tablet or a certain brand of shoes. As a result, he decided to create the Lowcountry Toy Drive that focuses specifically on the actual needs and wants of underprivileged children.
"I, myself, grew up in a financially challenged household and remember how students could be mean at times. I envisioned students walking back into school from Christmas break with the same clothes, shoes, watches and iPad their classmates had received as gifts! The prospect of building self-esteem and confidence fueled my mission," said Ken.
The Lowcountry Toy Drive is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization focused on supporting the community and making sure the next generation knows there are people that care about them. We want to lend a hand to lift these children up and assure them that they matter. After all, they are our future leaders! Please consider making a monetary donation to purchase a toy, purchase a toy off the wish list, or become a sponsor of our Lowcountry Holiday Party all of which benefits the Lowcountry Toy Drive.
