Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – The donation period for Fisher Street Community in Action’s (FSCIA) 10th annual Christmas Toy Giveaway is opening soon.

For the past 10 years, right around Christmas, FSCIA has held a drive-thru toy giveaway for families with kids aged 0-12 in need across Jonesboro. FSCIA CEO Rev. Dr. Charles Coleman said the event normally sees around 500 cars in its drive-thru line.

“This year, it’s probably going to be a little bit more important than the last three or four years because there’s so many people out of work, there’s so many people who don’t have the finances,” Coleman said. “We’re just trying to fill in the gap and that’s about it.”

For donations this year, Coleman said FSCIA is looking for something a little bit different. While children aged 0-1 will still receive their usual fluffy toys, the organization is wanting to give more educational toys for kids aged 2-12, with the idea that kids can use the toys year-round.

On the day of the giveaway, volunteers will approach cars, asking parents for the number of children, their ages, and their gender. That will determine what toy kids get, Coleman said

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For Coleman, he said the seeing the event grow and blossom over the past decade is deeply personal, as it stems from childhood memories of often not having Christmas at his home.

“I didn’t start really doing Christmas until I was 21 years old and I was in the military then,” Coleman said. “I got to thinking about these kids and talked to my wife and I said, ‘I’m sure some kids that have had the issue I’ve had, maybe in a different way, different structure. But let’s see what we can do about to trying to do something.'”

“I want to see these kids’ faces. I want to see them when they kind of open the bag a little bit and kind up of jump up and down and smile and stuff like that,” he added. “That might mean a lot to a lot of people, but it means a lot to me personally.”

Toy collections are set to begin Oct. 18 and conclude Dec. 20. During that time from Monday to Saturday, FSCIA will operate a dropoff window at its headquarters, located at 315 N. Allis St. directly across the street from Fisher Street United Methodist Church, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Those wishing to donate can text Coleman at 870-680-0561 or email him at revdrcharlescoleman@gmail.com to inform him when they expect to arrive. Toys must be new or gently used, and FSCIA will not provide batteries for any toys that require them for operation. Barcodes will also be scratched off.

For those wishing to make monetary donations, mail checks made out to FSCIA to PO Box 1046, Jonesboro, AR 72403.

The drive-thru giveaway itself is scheduled for Dec. 23 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., or until supplies last, at 315 N. Allis St. The event is drive-thru only, and children must be in the vehicle to receive toys. Those without vehicles are asked to find a friend with one.

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