Christmas can be a tough time of year for families with tight budgets and excited children wishing for the magic of finding toys under the tree on Christmas morning.
With its partners from across Guam, The Salvation Army offers an annual Christmas Toy Assistance Program to help assure that children in Guam wake up to a special toy or two on Merry Christmas morning.
Rallying its many partners with likeminded goals to help those in need, the Salvation Army gathers toys for children. Then just before Christmas parents and caregivers arrive at the Family Services Center in Tiyan where cheerful volunteers assist them in picking out toys from a wide selection, organized by age group.
This year, 2024, Toys were distributed from December 19th through the 21st.
“Without this program, too many children would go without a fun gift to open on Christmas morning,” said one Salvation Army director.
This year several members of Barrigada Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints organized by Sister Rachelle Child volunteered to help distribute the toys to mothers and fathers preparing for Christmas.
“I love volunteering to help the Salvation Army,” said Sister Lily Aviles of Dededo Ward. “This year is the first year that I’ve volunteered to help do service with our friends outside the Church, and it’s so enjoyable!”
After picking out the toys for their children, visitors were given a food bag paid for with donations of members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The bags contained items for healthy meals along with treats appropriate for the holiday season.
Church members should be on the lookout in 2025 for more opportunities to join with our friends in the community in doing God’s work and blessing the lives of His children