Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

The Carl Eggleston Foundation is holding its 23rd annual Christmas Toy Drive. Through Saturday, Dec. 23, new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. at Carl U. Eggleston Funeral Establishment, 914 S. Main St., Farmville. 

For the drive, even though new toys are preferred, people can still donate gently used toys that are no longer being played with. Carl Eggleston said he knows that some parents and grandparents have loved but no longer needed toys in storage that could still get a lot of use in the hands of a boy or girl. 

The goal for this year is to collect $3,000 worth of toys. This includes both monetary donations and the value of toys donated. Last year the foundation raised $2,589 and other years have had up to $3,500. Knowing not everyone likes shopping, Eggleston’s wife and some others will take the donations and go shopping for toys for the drive and fill any gaps.

“I feel that a lot of people have taxes and bills to pay and the last thing they’re focused on is on toys, especially those strapped this year,” said Eggleston. 

When will distribution happen?

The toys will be distributed at 10 a.m. on Christmas Eve at the Minor B. Eggleston Chapel at the funeral home. Santa and some of the local elected officials will be there to help hand out the toys to those who come. According to Eggleston, there is no application needed or certain criteria needed to receive toys. This is mostly for single parents who need a little help this time of year.

“All they have to do is show up,” said Eggleston. “It’s an honor system. The whole application process can be a lot for everyone involved so we figure if you find time that morning to come out then you probably need it.”

With this annual drive, Eggleston hopes to encourage the spirit of giving this time of year. The foundation is already seeing donations come in and is excited for this year as every penny donated to this drive goes back to the children. 

“We’re trying to get people in the spirit of giving,” said Eggleston. “It’s not about what you receive but giving back to the community that has supported us. The Lord has blessed me so I want to bless others.”

One of two major events

This is one of two major events for the Carl Eggleston Foundation. Similar to this Christmas toy drive, each August they hold a back-to-school supply drive. The foundation also helps where they can throughout the year where it’s needed with the goal of helping kids and young adults. 

Anyone looking to mail in a check can make it payable to the Eggleston Foundation and send it to P.O. Box 548, Farmville VA 23901.