This Saturday, a heartfelt mission is taking place in Montgomery County, Maryland, as local nonprofit Tidewater Disaster Response and emergency responders team up for the annual Fill the Boat toy drive. This year, the event is dedicated to brightening the holidays for children in Ashe County, North Carolina, who are still recovering from the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
The goal is ambitious yet heartwarming: collect over 550 toys to match the needs of the children identified by local charities in North Carolina. “This year, the list we received includes over 550 kids in need,” says Costa Sardelis, logistics coordinator for Tidewater Disaster Response.
Event Details
- When: Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Where: Rio Lakefront, 9811 Washingtonian Blvd., Gaithersburg, MD
Attendees can bring new, unwrapped toys for children aged 5 to 16, ranging from LEGOS and Hot Wheels to Barbie dolls and coloring books.
Family Fun for a Good Cause
The toy drive promises a festive, family-friendly atmosphere. Kids will get the chance to explore cool equipment like fire trucks and a search-and-rescue boat, courtesy of Montgomery County Fire and Rescue and Police Departments.
“We’ll have our response trailer and some fun apparatus for kids to check out,” Sardelis adds, making it an event enjoyable for all ages.
Making a Difference
Once collected, the toys will be transported to Ashe County and distributed in Santa bags by local partner charities. Volunteers will personally deliver the donations, ensuring every child experiences a bit of holiday magic.
Let’s help Fill the Boat and surpass the record of 412 toys collected in previous years. Together, we can make this season brighter for kids who need it most.
For more details or to donate, visit the Rio Lakefront on Saturday and join this wonderful cause.
Source
Photo: Getty