Toys for Tots in Picayune has a new director and big plans to continue to grow its efforts to provide a Merry Christmas to disadvantaged children locally.
The organization’s new director, Theresa Milar, is not new to Toys for Tots, she has also worked with the effort since 1995.
This year she took over as the coordinator, and recently attended training in Virginia to gather additional ideas from representatives of the organization in other areas. Milar said the training provided insight into ways to raise more money and the proper methods to ensure accountability within the organization continues.
While Christmas is still months away, Milar has already planned some fund raising events, including a pancake breakfast at Applebee’s, set for Sept. 23, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. The cost for the breakfast will be $5, which also comes with a coupon for $3 off a future Applebee’s purchase, Milar said.
Her goal is to sell more than 250 tickets for the event. Tickets for the breakfast can be purchased at the Picayune Police Department. Milar said Santa Claus may make an appearance at the local restaurant during the breakfast.
Another fundraising effort will entail raffling off a gift basket full of merchandise and gift cards from locally owned businesses. Milar said the raffle will take place in early December and the basket will be on display at the Toys for Tots booth at the upcoming Picayune Main Street Street Festival.
Also, on Oct. 14, a garage sale will be held at the World Outreach Church on Cayten Street in Picayune, and on Dec. 2 Tana Cochran at Nissan of Picayune will hold a Breakfast with Santa event at the dealership.
Milar said anyone interested in donating to the cause can call in to WRJW on Dec. 1, during the annual Toys for Tots radiothon from 8 a.m. to noon, or donate at one of the many local businesses.
Each year Toys for Tots in Picayune receives donations in money and toys to provide at least 750 children with at least five toys. Some years the organization was able to provide that service to as many as 1,200 children locally, Milar said.