DUNCAN — I have a better idea of what the North Pole must be like now.

  I’ve strolled through a building full of red-shirted, busy and happy people doing good things that will make Duncan children of all ages smile during this Christmas season.

  I’ve walked through crowded and carefully arranged rooms of brightly colored toys and games, backpacks, dolls and accessories, doctor sets, pots and pans, art supplies, puzzles, balls and skateboards.

  I’ve touched tall stacks of action figures, cuddly soft stuffed animals, musical instruments, earrings, science sets, CDs, wallets, caps and tool kits.

  I’ve felt the warmth of throws and blankets, socks, pajamas and shoes.

  I’ve marveled at shelved parts and pieces that become shiny bicycles.

  I’ve looked at maps, charts and delivery zones that would make Rudolph envious.

  I have been to the Duncan Toy Shop.

  And I have been touched.

  The North Pole for all its good, for all its glitz and glamour, for all its decades-old reputation may indeed be a special place, but it is no more magical, I suppose, than the remarkable building on Ninth Street here.

  You likely know The Toy Shop better than I. It started in 1944 under the leadership of Church Women United, functioned well for years, shifted into high gear during the early 1990s and today serves in the neighborhood of 500 families and 1,200 children each year.

  Its mission is starkly simple. Put smiles on children’s faces at Christmas.

  It’s a not-for-show kind of organization. Names and reputations mean little. Giving and helping mean a lot. And the year-round project’s push to be structurally unstructured is a key to its fulfillment.

  You’ll find red tape at The Toy Shop. It’s used to wrap gifts instead of tieing up good deeds.

  You’ll hear questions asked of those who seek aid. But the words are more like what and how than why since the basic criteria for help revolves about being a Duncan parent or guardian who asks for assistance.

  It’s all about the kids, remember.

  Each will receive a package worth approximately $40, tailored through a registration process to match their dreams and wishes and assembled by volunteers whose happy thoughts likely add an unseen hug or loving squeeze.

  It’s so simple, so basic, so logical, so caring.

  It’s that way because so many people work so hard for so long.

  It’s that way because of spud dinners, rummage sales, concession stands, donations and gifts and other events or gatherings large or small.

  Registration for this year’s holiday journey resumes Dec. 3 (this year’s date) in an atmosphere that is frenzied but upbeat and even jovial. Maybe the thought of helping others has something to do with that. Now begins the process of putting together lists, sort of like Santa but perhaps without much of that naughty-and-nice stuff.

  Then the magic really begins. Dozens of helpers – elves perhaps – descend on The Toy Shop for two full weeks of packaging and assembly. I’ve not been, of course, but I can just hear the whistling while they work or the happy sounds of Christmas carols being sung as memories of their own wonderful holidays past are relived and reloved.

  Knowing a kind, elderly lady has been by to share her annual gift of pennies, nickels and dimes pinched and saved since last year adds meaning to the process. So do the gifts brought by a family who, years ago when times for them were tough, were takers instead of givers. And likewise that small donation made by a grand mom whose tearful toys or utilities decision was made unnecessary by the generosity of new and faceless friends.

  Come Dec. 14 (this year’s actual date), tightly packed sleighs of a more modern era will cover the city, enthusiastically ensuring the delivery of much joy, excitement and even hope.

  Though most shelves at The Toy Shop will be empty then, some clutter may remain. Some sighs may be deep. And some muscles may even ache.

  But what a special place it is, what a contribution it makes, what a lesson it shares and what a message it teaches.

  The North Pole may be more famous, but the Duncan Toy Shop is also likely one of a kind, reminding us all of a love that is contagious and a spirit that touches us throughout the year.

  It makes a difference here to be sure, for those who receive and perhaps even more for those who give.



580-255-5354, Ext. 130.

edarling@duncanbanner.com.