It concluded with a giveaway event recently, benefiting dozens of community children.
Spearheading the organization of the toy drive was Edwin Hathaway, who says it all started as a small idea to help area children. Once he got the ball rolling and got friends from area small businesses on board, though, it quickly grew into something big.
- Advertisement - We knew the Y was hurting this year, and we wanted to do something to help, Hathaway said. It started off as just an idea - we wanted to make sure these kids have a somewhat normal Christmas.
Reaching out to his relative Lisa Hotte, who works at the YWCA as a housing coordinator, Hathaway started putting his plan in motion. Everyone he talked to about his idea for a toy drive was happy to join his efforts, especially YWCA executive director Starletta Smith.