This past week, a gathering was held by the Apple C0untry Woodcrafters, to distribute the toys to the agencies that will be serving the children. The room was set up with tables for each agency and stacked up with the toys each one would receive. Cradles, wagons and strollers with bears and quilts were under every table. The abundance of toys was so wonderful to see. The Apple C0untry Woodcrafters reported that this delivery to the participating agencies has 2700 toys!
This one had a row of wagons with bears and some of your quilts. The people in the room kept remarking on how colorful the quilts were this year.
The tables have varying numbers of toys depending on the number of children they had on their lists. But the woodcrafters do so much more than just the cradles, wagons and strollers. Here you can see the little tool boxes, some pull toys, little cars and wooden puzzles.
Little toy trains and boats were going to this agency, too. I hope some of you can see your contribution quilt in one of these pictures.
Some agencies got wagons with bears and quilts. In the center of this photo is a round, wooden box beautifully stained and varnished. It is a jewelry box and had a necklace with wood beads inside for a teenage girl.
On this table, you can see more of the toy cars and games they also make. Under the table, more cradles with bears and quilts.
Some of the bears are made by another sewing group, but I didn’t get the name of it. Some of the stuffed toys are purchased.
Pull toys, puzzle boxes, jewelry boxes and treasure boxes are made for older kids too.
A wide variety of toys and gifts was on every table. On this table, a rectangular treasure box for an older boy has a turned wood pen inside. On the floor, a box of wood puzzle games.
The agency spokespersons each had a few minutes to talk about their plans for the toys. Some told heartbreaking stories of loss that left the audience with tears in their eyes. Stories were told of children with nothing, living in such poverty in our area. One story was of a little boy arriving on the doorstep of the rescue mission with his mother on Christmas eve, having lost everything they had, incredulous that a toy might there for him. His only question, could he choose one for sister? Not for himself, his sister. His eyes widened with disbelief when the director told him to choose one for himself and her. Still brings me to tears as I write this.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful day.
So, the big question was will I do another drive next year, and the answer is no. Although they loved what we sent, they specifically asked us not to because they have no place to store the overage. Between our drive, the local quilt guild, and other participants, they have more than they could use this year. The extras will be stored in a woodcrafter’s home for next year’s toys. If you really loved making these little quilts, look for an agency in your own town that might use them like a rescue mission, a shelter, a pregnancy crisis center, a neonatal hospital unit, or Project Linus. There is always somewhere to donate our efforts.
Thank you all for making this one such a huge success. Merry Christmas!
From My Carolina Home 
What a wonderful day and knowing that so many children will receive these beautiful gifts is amazing. I am glad they have enough for now; quilters are always so generous. Thank you, again for your cheerleading and the contributions you brought – priceless.
Carole, what a wonderful program that is the eptiome of what Christmas is all about…giving to others. Thank you for orgainizing your part of it. I’m sure the quilts and toys will bring smiles and warm memories for years to come.
What a wonderful group of people! Spreading joy and love during the holiday season, the true meaning of Christmas and especially needed this year.
that is wonderful how many gifts are in that room
This is what makes Christmas. The opportunity to bring joy to a child. Certainly fills my heart with warmth. This group is amazing.
Thank you for this, Carole. You introduced me and others to the possibilities of ‘making a difference’ just by doing what comes naturally. My teeny contribution became part of something bigger than myself in a very tangible manner.
I am in awe of how productive this group of volunteers is. I would have been shedding tears as well. Well done, Carole.
Sent from the all new AOL app for iOS
Wow! What a wonderful effort and lift it will give to the children’s spirits!
This is a post that makes my heart feel lighter! What a collection of toys and gifts that is! It’s always fun to see the results of something you contributed to. Have a restful Sunday, Carole!
Thank you for sharing . Heartwarming, that’s what it is! How much happiness will this bring to all this children.
Carole, this is so heartwarming and brought tears! I don’t have to look far to see many in need. It is heartbreaking but each of us can make a difference. Seeing what your group accomplished is amazing! Thank you, friend!
What a wonderful surprise for all those children. I love that everyone’s small individual contribution led to this huge act of service and love. Thank you for the update!
Nice!!! So wonderful to see all these photos, Carole!
How delightful to see all the toys gathered together for distribution. A real Santa’s workshop. I was happy to participate in this effort. The club I belong to provides various sized quilts to local agencies and this year added book pillows & little stuffed toys to the mix. The pillows & stuffies were so popular among the members further production has been put on hold for the time being.
Thank you for posting these beautiful photos. Really amazing.
Thank you so much for all you did this year, and I’m so glad you got to meet with and learn so much more about this large organizing effort.
This sounds like such a wonderful thing — and I’m so glad you got to actually deliver in person and share with us. Next year — maybe something else!
Beautiful event. So many generous people sharing their gifts and talents. Thanks for coordinating our small part in it. I am thrilled that there are agencies to help fill the needs of children of all ages.
What a blessing for all the toys that were there for the children. I didn’t get in on the little quilts for your drive, but I found an organization that will give you everything to make 2 quilts with instructions and you only supply the labor and batting. They ask that you assemble, quilt, bind and return the two within 4-5 weeks, (and pay postage return) but it is called QuiltsforKids.org If you want to pass the information on to others. they donate to a hospital in the area, and others. Pamela
I watched this since late summer. My schedule was so busy, but I kept the browser open for months. I had hoped that I could participate next year. What a blessing that they had received more than they needed.
Thank you so much for taking care of this and giving us an opportunity to participate. Heartening to hear how many children will be affected by this.
Kathy
Oh my gosh, what a special day that was!
Such a fun project! Thank you for sharing, and for all the time you hadn’t planned to spend on this. I recognize that it got really big really fast.
AMAZING !!!!! I have to “ditto” what you said about finding a place, locally, where you can support their quilt needs. Our guild (over 200 members) has multiple places they donate. The coordination it takes is massive, but the guild response is too. I have a dear friend that makes NICU quilts and delivers often 20 at a time. Making the first contact is the hardest part. Local police and fire departments use comfort quilts for people in trauma. Some hospitals have very specific size requirements. Check first with your own quilt guild.
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The amount of energy and love that went into the project took my breath away. May God bless everyone who participated out of the goodness of their heart.