The Duncan Banner

Local News

November 29, 2012

Toy Shop hosts Open House, Christmas Blitz

Rebeka Rutledge The Duncan Banner

DUNCAN — Toy Shop of Duncan is ready for its holiday season with a couple of big annual events beginning today with an Open House/Christmas Blitz.

This event gives the community an opportunity to take a tour of the Toy Shop facilities and/or drop off their toy or monetary donations.

“We’re hoping for a huge turnout,” said Lynn Samples, co-chair for Toy Shop.

“Not only for the donations but we also like to show off our facilities.”

Samples said they look at this event as their grand opening to kick off Toy Shop’s season. With more and more families registering, a larger amount of toys is needed. About 280 families signed up for pre-registration this year, which is about 40 more than last year.

“Based on pre-registration numbers, we do expect more families to sign up during regular registration,” Samples said. “Everything looks good right now, but what we have now will not see us all the way through the holiday.”

During the Christmas Blitz, volunteers will show visitors around the Toy Shop and explain how it all works. There will also be treats and refreshments available.

“The toys will come into the front room and we will fill the boxes with them on Monday morning,” said Samples. “There are also a group of men who work on bicycles, so we also take new and gently used bicycles.”

The storage room has shelves of toys right now but volunteers are waiting to box them until Monday because of another event taking place on Sunday that benefits the Toy Shop.

The annual Toy Run put on by the Vietnam Vets Legacy Vets MC Chapter F will begin at 1 p.m. at the Carmike Theater, Hwy 81 and Plato Rd., and travel down Highway 81, turn onto Main St. then onto Ninth St. and stop at the Toy Shop.

“We’re very excited that the weather is looking good for that day because these guys are so good to come out even when the weather is bad,” said Samples. “They are so faithful and dedicated, it’s amazing.”

More than a hundred motorcycles thundering down the highway drives a lot of attention to the Toy Shop cause and Samples said it’s a sight to see.

“It’s fun for people to watch and (the bikers) love when people watch,” she said.

Regular registration for Toy Shop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday Dec. 3-13, with distribution beginning on Dec. 13.

“We want to remind all our volunteers that we need as many of them as possible on Dec. 13 for delivery,” Samples said.

For those who can’t make it but would like to donate, toys can be taken to the box inside the Chisholm Trail Heritage Center lobby 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1-5 p.m. Sunday and monetary donations can be mailed to the Toy Shop at P.O. Box 206 Duncan, OK 73534.

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