DUNCAN —
As in previous years, the line was strong and began early Thursday morning for the first day of early registration for this year’s Toy Shop distribution in Duncan.
Pre-registrations began at 9 a.m. Thursday and will take place again from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Toy Shop location, 111 S. 9th St. At 8 a.m. a line had already formed when volunteers arrived.
“Everyone who gets here during registration will get registered but some like to show up early,” said Kathy Snider, Toy Shop co-chair. “There’s always a big rush on Thursday morning (registration).”
As far as organizers could tell, the number of registrants looked to be about normal and not until after Saturday would they be able to tell if numbers were up or down. As far as the process, volunteers had it down to a fine art.
“There are about 27 volunteers and everyone has a job,” Snider said. “We’ve been doing this since about the mid-90s, so we’re like a well-oiled machine.”
There are various jobs such as greeting those registering, getting them inside, taking their information, visiting with them about their children and their needs, double checking information and doing call backs.
Another aspect that attributed to the smoothness of registration is their building. This is the fifth year that Toy Shop has held its happenings in the building that is lent to them by BancFirst.
“Having the building has made a big difference, it’s fabulous,” said Snider.
“It all used to be done in one room and it took a lot longer.”
Lynn Samples, co-chair, said that the registration taking place in the same location year after year also helps residents know exactly where they are going each time.
After Saturday, Toy Shop will take a break until their Toy Shop Blitz on Nov. 29, which is their community open house.
They will then again open up registration. Packaging of toys will begin Dec. 3 and they will be distributed Dec. 14.
Local News
Toy Shop registrations move smoothly
- Local News
-
-
Moore Tornado Showcases Advancements in Warnings
Despite the utter devastation left in the wake of the massive tornado that tore through Moore, Okla. on Monday, the deadly storm, in many ways, helped showcase how far scientists have come in providing communities early tornado warning signs.
-
ODOT efforts hampered by general public traffic
Oklahoma Department of Transportation is requesting that motorists avoid I-35 through Moore, S. 19th Street because the ramp is closed and emergency and clean-up crews are hampering their efforts.
-
National EMS Week shines spotlight on rescue workers
The Air Evac helicopter was sitting on the helipad at Duncan Regional Hospital Wednesday, but not for emergency reasons.
National EMS Week, May 19-25, is about connecting with the community and the Air Evac Lifeteam was doing just that.
“Every base we have is doing something like this during the week,” said Heather Taylor, Air Evac program director. “We want to show appreciation to our community.” -
Restaurant rumors remain on the hot plate
From IHOP and HomeTown Buffet to Chili’s and Olive Garden, restaurant whisperings have been running rampant in the community since the arrival of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar.
Although there are a few open spaces such as the old Golden Corral location and the soon-to-close Honda site, none of these rumors can be confirmed at this point according to Chris Deal, Duncan Chamber of Commerce president. No information on any of the businesses’ websites points to them opening a new location in the area. -
DMS plants a tree for custodian
Tam Pham left a lasting impression on Duncan Middle School, and the school has returned the favor.
On Wednesday, the middle school, along with Duncan Public Schools administrators, recognized Pham for his 28 years of service as head custodian at Duncan Middle School. Pham retired earlier this school year. To honor Pham, the district planted a Chinese pistachio tree in front of the middle school. A base plaque was included to commemorate Pham’s dedication to Duncan Public Schools. -
List of Moore deceased released
Oklahoma Medical Examiner’s Office released today, the confirmed and unconfirmed list of fatalities.
-
Will Rogers graduates pre-k students
Duncan High School’s graduation may be Friday, but the high schoolers won’t be the first group of students to graduate this year in Duncan.
-
Safe room procedures under review
Duncan elementary schools dismissed at 3 p.m. Monday, but it wasn’t until almost 5 p.m. that students who remained at the schools were released to go home.
Because of two storm systems moving through the area, the school district chose to keep students at the school as a precaution if their parents had not already picked them up. Superintendent Sherry Labyer said the plan was to keep students at the schools until the storms passed or moved away from the area as a way of keeping students safe. Buses didn’t start running until 4:45 p.m. -
Marlow goes on alert
Marlow Elementary went to load its buses twice before students were finally able to leave Monday.
Rotation nearing the city made it impossible for students to leave initially, and the school enacted its inclement weather procedures to ensure the safety of its students. Assistant Principal John Smith said the procedures were performed well by students and faculty members. -
Harrowing scene inside school
Kelly Law and other teachers marshaled students into the main hallway and central bathrooms at Plaza Towers Elementary School just before Monday’s tornado ripped apart the building with winds up to 200 mph.
“It sounded like somebody was going through with a mower and hitting a tin roof,” said Law, a teacher’s assistant. “… I had my eyes shut. All of us teachers were covering as many heads as we could.” - More Local News Headlines
-
Moore Tornado Showcases Advancements in Warnings



