Holiday Partners busy packing toys for children

Ten years ago, Debbie Hayworth started working with the United Way of York County’s holiday toy distribution program. She has seen a lot of need – and smiles – in that time.

“Every year, the community support and volunteerism has grown to help us provide some smiles and share the joy during the holiday season,” she said.

The United Way’s Holiday Partners is a collaboration between The Herald’s Empty Stocking Fund and WRHI’s Toys for Happiness, providing toys to brighten the holidays of children across York County.

The program serves families in need with children from birth to age 14.

“There are people that are still struggling,” said Hayworth, co-coordinator of the program. “When you look in the newspaper, and you still see pages and pages of foreclosures, even though our unemployment rate is the lowest it has been in years, there are still people who are struggling.”

Donations of cash and toys are still needed. Volunteers will continue packing toys for families who have applied for assistance.

“We need to think of others in a caring and giving manner,” Hayworth said. “You might see a different side of what the real meaning of Christmas is, and that is sharing love and joy for each other.”

Hayworth said she knows how much the program means to the families who apply for the assistance in late November and early December.

“They had tears in their eyes, because they have part-time jobs, they’ve got young kids and it’s all they can do to make ends meet,” she said.

“And just trying to provide Christmas for your children, you just can’t do everything, especially when you’re on a limited budget,” Hayworth said.

Hayworth said when families come to pick up the gifts they are happy and appreciative. “You know you’ve made a difference, and you know you’ve had an impact on a family during the holiday season,” she said.

This story was originally published December 12, 2015 at 3:59 PM with the headline "Holiday Partners busy packing toys for children."