Several county families will have a brighter Christmas, thanks to the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force and all the donors to its toy giveaway program.

Sunday, December 23, 2001

Several county families will have a brighter Christmas, thanks to the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force and all the donors to its toy giveaway program.

Task force and Helping Hands Haven shelter officials began the annual Toys for Tots campaign in November this year. It’s the last time that the Ohio Attorney General’s office will help with toys.

Many donors, from individuals to civic clubs to churches and businesses, also donated toys and other items as holiday gifts to families. Names of needy families were accepted through a referring agency, with plans to distribute for the holidays.

The shelter and task force workers, volunteers and others want all children to have a merry Christmas, so presents are wrapped individually, names are placed on the gifts and gifts are delivered to the homes of the children, said task force director Ruthanne Delong.

"We want the child to feel special in knowing that we are Santa’s helpers and we are just delivering for him."

And, all those generously donating their time and gifts were a big help in making those children and families very happy this year, she added.