The University of South Alabama Medical Center will continue the holiday tradition of collecting toys, books and games for the Dumas Wesley Community Center holiday Toy Store.
The 2014 toy drive will run in the hospital until staff members deliver the toys to Dumas Wesley on Wednesday, Dec. 10.
The USA Medical Center has been committed to helping those in need during the holidays by donating new and unwrapped toys to Dumas Wesley for 13 years. Human Resources Manager Anita Shirah leads the annual tradition.
The donations help local families in need in two ways: First, toys are sold to pre-qualified Crichton area residents at reduced prices. Then, the purchasers of the toys are able to take pride in knowing that the money they paid for the toys will be used by Dumas Wesley to help other community members.
Dumas Wesley will use the funds to help people who have a range of emergency needs, including medical and prescription needs and electric bills.
Those who donate to the toy drive are actually giving twice, as their gift will help a child have a happier Christmas and help a member of the community stay warm in the winter or avoid an eviction notice.