Knights Of Columbus To Open Toy Closet On Monday

On Monday, December 21, the St Rose Knights of Columbus will host their annual Toy Closet Distribution Night. The event will take place in the rooms off the main lobby of Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street, from 6 to 9 pm. Residents should note that the first hour of the event is reserved for St Rose parishioners.

The Knights distribute toys to nearly a dozen charities as well as to the residents of Newtown and surrounding towns from their Toy Closet collection during the year. Monday night will be their fifth year offering the annual Christmas event, the purpose of which is to supply gifts to families who would otherwise have little or nothing to give to their children on Christmas morning.

“The demand this year is greater than we’ve seen previously,” said Jim Tevnan, who leads the St Rose Knights of Columbus.

“We’re fortunate to live in such a supportive community,” added Toy Closet Co-Director Markus Balus. “We’re experiencing the most difficult financial period most of us have ever lived through, but our parishioners and others have really come through to make this toy drive successful.”

Because of the extreme demand, there will be a limit on the number of toys provided to each family.

“We want to be sure to treat every family equally, and to see that everyone who really has a need can be served by this ministry,” said Mike Salvatore, the second co-director of the event. “We’ve put a lot of time and effort into this. Our goal is to serve as many families in need as we can with the supplies we have.”

In addition to parishioners and other individuals, the Knights received a bounty of toys for Toy Closet Distribution Night from The Toy Tree in Sandy Hook. The store’s owner donated a van full of toys and games, along with wrapping paper and supplies to support the efforts of the Knights.

“Her assistance has been hugely helpful to the success of this event for the last few years,” said Mr Salvatore. “We’re grateful for the wonderful support she has given us in her efforts.”

Curtis Packaging was also helpful this year. The Sandy Hook company supplied large boxes that had been decorated to look like large brick chimneys. The boxes were used on Black Friday in front of Walmart in Danbury as well as eight days later for a nine-hour stretch at St Rose. One of the boxes is still being used as a drop-off location in the St Rose vestibule for anyone who wants to make a donation to the cause.

Reservations are not needed for Monday night. Additional information is available from Mr Salvatore, who can be reached at 203-426-5181.