Toy Closet Items Available All Year
Toy Closet Items Available All Year
By Kendra Bobowick
Knights of Columbus Toy Closet Director Rick Scinto dug through bags crowding the space in the basement of the St Rose Religious Education offices at 38 Church Hill Road. From one he pulled out a remote control car still in its original packaging. Peeking from the top of another bag were the shining plastic eyes of a bright purple stuffed animal that Mr Scinto freed and held up to the light.
The childrenâs toys are part of the collection making up the Toy Closet, which will now operate year-round. âWhy wait for Christmas?â asked Mr Scinto.
Originally named the Christmas Closet when it was started by K of C member Jim Tevnan last year, the Toy Closet aims to benefit the children of families who have encountered âhard times,â Mr Scinto said. Soon the K of C members will contact hospitals and womenâs shelters to see who might receive something from the stash of toys, games, stuffed animals, and more.
As Mr Scinto had said, why wait for a holiday to give out the toys? Looking at the large bags bulging with items, he said this week, âThe whole idea is to give this away.â The closet may be full, but certain age groups could use more donations. âWe need items for teenagers from 13 to 17. They canât be left out either, theyâre kids,â he said.
The closet caters to children through the age of 17. Realizing that teddy bears do not apply, Mr Scinto offered his thoughts about what to get for teens, including movie passes and gift certificates.
 Many families, including those in town, can qualify to visit the Toy Closet. âHard luck could be anywhere. Illness, financial hardship, loss of a job,â could happen to anyone, Mr Scinto said, and the closet is meant to benefit the children. Residents who would like to contribute or receive toys can contact Mr Scinto at 270-9539, or e-mail him at scinto1@earthlink.net.
Families looking to visit the closet and make selections are asked to make appointments, and also can call Mr Scinto. The closet has items for toddlers through teens, and is always looking for more ânew and unwrappedâ donations.