COVID-19 brings big changes to the 2020 Toys for Tots campaign

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sheridan Toys for Tots campaign had to drastically alter the process in which they will distribute toys to the parents of children in need this Christmas season.

“Due to COVID-19 we can no longer have a one-day distribution, where parents are packed into our building to pick up toys for their children,” Sheridan Area Toys for Tots Coordinator Gary Small said in a press release. 

In the release, Small explained how this year’s distribution of toys will operate. “Since we can no longer have a walk-in type distribution, we need parents to call our office, fill out an application, and then schedule an appointment, to come into our facility to select and pick up the toys,” he said. “We can only allow one parent, per family unit in the building and children are not allowed in the building. As you would expect, everyone is required to wear a mask and socially distance while in the building. On a positive note, we have expanded our distribution over a three-day period instead of one-day, to help parents with busy schedules. Parents can schedule their appointment on any of the three days.”

Parents can call the Rising Sun Wellness Center at 674-1668 or visit the office located at 151 West Brundage during business hours, for an application and schedule an appointment time. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m.

Distribution of toys will stretch over a three-day period: Thursday through Saturday, Dec. 10, 11, and 12, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day. 

“Please, by appointment only. No walk-ins will be allowed. We certainly don’t want to do it this way, but it’s our duty to the community to keep people safe,” Small said.

To donate a new, unwrapped toy to a Sheridan area child in need, five Sheridan donation drop off boxes will be located at the following Sheridan businesses:

    • Rising Sun Wellness Center

    • Walgreens

    • Luminous Brewery

    • Smith Alley Brewery

    • Sheridan Liquor