 From left, Deb Van Slyke, Penny Van Slyke, and Diane Gaige |
Each year the Kiwanis Club of the Central Adirondacks collects and distributes gifts and toys to special families in Woodgate, Thendara, Old Forge, Eagle Bay, Inlet, Long Lake, and Indian Lake. Over 57 Kiwanians and volunteers make this project succeed by soliciting funds, sorting and wrapping gifts, providing books, mittens, and food to over 96 families and their 244 children.
The total distribution included over 750 gifts, 60 stuffed animals for younger children, 66 theatre tickets for older children, over 80 books, and 48 hams. There were 92 sets of scarves, hats, and mittens provided by the Old Forge Fire Dept. Ladies Auxiliary and Carol Canne of Big Moose.
Kiwanis partners with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program by making a generous donation, which greatly helps in providing appropriate gifts for children of all ages. Gift and Toy collection locations were at Adirondack Bank, Community Bank, Inlet Department Store (ACE), Kinney Drugs, Old Forge Department Store (ACE), Old Forge Hardware, Smith Marine, and Souvenir Village. In addition, there were toy collection sites at local Post Offices in Old Forge, Eagle Bay, Inlet, Thendara and Raquette Lake.
The Strand Theatre assisted with discounted movie tickets. Old Forge Department Store (ACE) donated collection and delivery bags. Employees of Enchanted Forest/Water Safari, Water's Edge Inn & Conference Center, and Old Forge Camping Resort did an internal gift drive focused on older children. Community volunteers were major contributors to the success of the gift wrapping party
(Posted December 31, 2024)
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated