CACPAC is beginning collections for annual toy drive
A collection box sits in Dunkin’ Donuts. More than 30 boxes have been placed throughout Palmerton for this year’s toy, coat and food drive. DANIELLE DERRICKSON/TIMES NEWS
If you’ve been storing away gifts for the coming season since September (or earlier), then you already know: It’s never too early to start thinking about the holidays.
The Christian Action Council of Palmerton Area Churches knows that full well, which is why it placed nearly 40 wrapped, cardboard boxes throughout the community this week. The organization is taking over the annual Blue Ridge Toy Drive this year, and it’s starting collections now.
“One of the things for all the religious organizations around here and that function through CACPAC is to take care of those in need,” the Rev. William Ritzenthaler, pastor at Salem United Methodist Church in Aquashicola, said. “It ebbs and flows through the whole thing.”
“We’re to go out and show Christ’s love to everybody,” he added.
You can find a box nearly anywhere in Palmerton, like in the lobby of borough hall or inside Dunkin’ Donuts. The drive is mainly focused on raising toys and coats, but will also accept nonperishable food donations.
Originally coordinated by Nick Hawkey, in the past, the Carbon Mountaineers Marine Corps League Detachment 996 organized the annual drive.
Donated items will be distributed to families in the Palmerton School District in need. The cutoff date for collection is Dec. 9.
Families hoping to receive toys from this year’s drive can contact Susie Arner at 484-522-8899.
