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Sorting toys for homeless youth at Christmas time

by Kevin Winter

sports@reporterandfarmer.com

Around this time of year, when I was living in Sacramento, I would be busy in an unheated building sorting donated toys for homeless children. Something which became a yearly tradition.

A friend in the area organized the yearly event. Donations were accepted from churches, clubs, organizations and individuals with all the items eventually being delivered to homeless children and their families.

I started volunteering after she contacted me one day several years ago asking if I wanted to come in and help sort toys. I accepted not knowing what I was getting into but discovered a version of Santa’s Toy Shop.

I quickly learned where all the different items went. There was a box, container or shelf for every type of item imaginable for children. There were bins for jackets and blankets. There was an entire section of clothing ranging from toddler to teenager. The toys were separated by age range and whether it was for a boy or girl. In the back there were art supplies, puzzles, games, outdoor toys (basketballs, skateboards and more) and books.

It took awhile to get use to the rhythm, especially since we had to keep count of every item on a sheet. In early December the donations were coming in thick and fast. Volunteers would keep things light hearted with puns and jokes as the building was cold with only one space heater.

In the following years I was added to the rotation of volunteers, always with the caveat I never pick toys for children since I am not good at that, and would volunteer several days each season sorting toys.

I got to see the generosity of the community and at the same time shake my head when people would deliver used items when cleaning out a closet, which unfortunately we could not use.

There were times a call was sent out for either more balls (basketball, baseball, etc), batteries, wrapping paper and other items when they were running low. The local community would step up and flood us with their generosity.

I miss helping sort the toys and being in that warehouse surrounded by the latest and greatest. Also, I never knew there are so many Barbies.