Knights Of Columbus Toy Closet Is

Hoping For A Christmas Miracle

The St Rose Knights of Columbus are once again mounting a toy drive to help families put presents under the tree for Christmas. Markus Balas, co-director of the Knights of Columbus Toy Closet, says that with the economy being what it is, the need for this toy drive is more pronounced than ever.

“Many families are in difficult financial situations, and are facing some hard economic decisions,” he said. “If we can help remove some of the burden by helping them put toys under their trees, then this ministry is worthwhile.”

The Toy Closet is open throughout the year, but Christmas is especially busy.

“Our community has already produced miracles,” said Mike Salvatore, who is also co-directing the project. “We’ve seen them provide huge quantities of food for empty pantries and sky-high piles of warm clothes for barren closets. Now, we look to the community to gather together for one more miracle, a Christmas miracle, to provide toys to families who would otherwise have nothing to place under the tree for their children on Christmas day.”

To boost this effort, the Knights will hold a Stuff-A-Van Toy Drive on Sunday, December 12. A van will be parked in front of St Rose Church, 46 Church Hill Road, with Knights volunteering to pack it full of offerings of gifts and toys. Gifts for teenagers, such as DVDs, CDs, sports equipment and various gift cards, are especially needed.

Distribution nights will be Sunday, December 12 and Friday, December 17, at the St Rose Parish Hall between 6 and 9 pm.

December 12 is reserved for all individuals and families, with St Rose parishioners able to visit during the first hour and then the Toy Closet will be opened to everyone from 7 to 9. December 17 will be open to individuals, families, and invited charitable organizations. Other than during the first hour Sunday night, guests do not need to be members of St Rose Church to visit the Toy Closet.

The Knights wish to extend a special thank you to Rosie Erikson, a student in Mrs Thorpe’s fourth grade class at Hawley School.  On hearing about the Knight’s efforts, Rosie decided to hold a bake sale and donate the proceeds to the Toy Closet.

Rosie and her family baked an assortment of wonderful goodies, which were scooped up after last Sunday’s masses. Rosie raised more than $220, which will be used to buy gifts for the Toy Closet.

The Knights would also like to thanks the Toy Tree, Curtis Packaging, and the World of Education for their generous support of the annual efforts to create many happy Christmas mornings in Newtown and beyond. This is the sixth year the Knights are opening the Toy Closet for Christmas.

For additional information call Mike Salvatore, 203-426-5281.