Every year at Wamogo, history teacher, Jessica Memmott runs the toy drive around Christmas time. The last day to donate for the toy drive was Friday, December 17. The state troopers will be picking up the toy collection and donating the toys to local area families in financial need. The donations come from Region 6 students and staff, community members, Morris Cub Scout pack, Student Council organizations of the elementary schools, basketball game attendees and more. The toys need to be new and unwrapped. 
            Memmott suggests that people should donate “toys that don’t require batteries because that just means one more thing the family needs to get.” The ideal toys for boys and girls would include games more than one person can participate in, footballs, basketballs and other such toys. It is also important not to forget about the infants as well.

When asked, how many kids the toy drive benefits, Memmott replied “you never really know. One person’s toy donation may only help one child, but that gift is priceless and more than enough.”
The benefit of donating toys Memmot says is it "provides a sense of personal fulfillment. A person should feel good in knowing that their donation allowed a child to smile and have fun on what should be the happiest day of the year. One person’s giving could also encourage others to do the same. Furthermore, especially in today’s economy it’s hard to know when hard times will hit, and if it were to ever happen to you, you should feel comfort in knowing that there are people and organizations out there to help. You are building a sense of security for others that they are not alone."
    Memmott wants to do the toy drive every year because of “personal experience. My family went through a financially difficult time that started just before the holidays. Friends of the family surprised us with extra gifts outside our door Christmas Eve night.  I've been grateful ever since and feel I can never do enough to repay that gesture.” With all of this in mind, help others and make a difference by donating if you have not already.