Ozark County Toy Drive moves to new location, welcomes donations

In-person donations are being accepted this week at the First Baptist Church for this year’s Ozark County Toy Drive, an annual charity that has helped make Christmas brighter for hundreds of Ozark County children through the decades. The event will be held beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, in the basement of First Baptist on Second Street in Gainesville.

The toy drive allows Ozark County parents to select toys and other items to give to their children at Christmastime. The only requirement is that participating parents and guardians must show proof of Ozark County residency – and they must be willing to stand in line, Walker said.

In the past, the toy drive, which operates entirely on charity, has delivered toys and gifts for 400 or more children each year.

Donations of cash and new toys are needed and greatly appreciated, Walker said, adding that from 12:30 to 6 p.m. every day this week a volunteer will be available at the basement door of First Baptist to accept monetary or toy donations for the event.

Checks, made payable to the Ozark County Toy Drive, may also be mailed c/o Walker, 378 Harlin Drive, Gainesville, MO 65655.

Walker said volunteers and parents who participate in the toy drive will be required to wear a mask, and the number of people allowed inside will be limited. The committee is working out other details of how the event will play out this year as covid-19 precautions are put into place, she said.