The spirit of giving is evident within the Emporia community year-round but is especially evident during the holiday season.
Residents typically don’t have to look far to see examples of kindness and selflessness within the community this time of year especially if you live in the neighborhood of Delane, Darlene, Diane, Hillcrest and Arrowhead Drive where one of Emporia’s longest holiday traditions continued this weekend. The 41st annual Neighborhood Toy Drive lit up the local neighborhood once again with a steady stream of residents stopping by to drop off donations of new toys and bikes for the Salvation Army of Emporia and monetary donations to SOS.
Leading the charge this year at at 2308 Delane Drive were Fred and Lori Seron who came to the neighborhood a year ago and took part in their first toy drive at that time. Lori Seron says that one experience was an eye-opening one and he and his wife decided that they were going to be a part of the event for as long as possible.
Fred Seron says the toy drive is an example that even in difficult times, much like the ones the community has experienced in the past week, there are still plenty of people willing to step up and care for others.
In addition to neighborhood residents, Santa and Mrs. Claus made their way to Delane Drive to once again assist with the drop. During a short break in hauling donations, Santa spoke with KVOE News and had a message for the local community.
As always, toy and bike donations from the drive will go to benefit the Salvation Army of Emporia with monetary donations going to support SOS. This year’s drive collected 15 bags of toys, seven bikes and $189 in monetary donations.
Click here for a YouTube short of this year’s neighborhood toy drive.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
