Herald-Press kicks off 2023 Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive

Pennylynn Webb, Palestine Herald-Press, Texas
·2 min read

Nov. 24—The Palestine Herald-Press kicked off its 24th annual Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive this week.

"Palestine has been so great to provide over the years," said Herald-Press Receptionist Pequita Casteel, founder of the event. "Our businesses and residents have always stepped up in the past, and we know they will again this year."

Applications will be taken through Dec. 4. Those wishing to apply simply need to stop by the Herald-Press Office and fill one out.

Toy and monetary donations will be taken through Dec. 18.

"It is great to see Palestine come together to help one another," said Lange Svehlak, Herald-Press Publisher. "We at the Herald-Press are thankful we can be a part of helping our great community and grateful to everyone that plays a part in the Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive, it takes a village."

Through this toy drive, Casteel has helped thousands of children in the Palestine area enjoy a happy Christmas since 1999.

Casteel has been the driving force in making this event a success every holiday season. She takes a week of her own vacation time each year to finalize gift selections and distribute gifts in an effort to ensure each child has a wonderful Christmas.

During the first year the toy drive helped 100 children. It has since grown to serve approximately 400 children annually, with 2021 breaking the 500 mark.

Casteel also works with the local chapter of Toys for Tots, under the direction of Pastor Amanda Malone, to ensure that every child has a nice Christmas.

She said some of the most requested items from children include bicycles, games, basketballs, footballs and dolls.

Casteel said cash donations are welcome and needed, as she tries to purchase between 15 and 20 bicycles each year, which are purchased with the donations. Cash donations at the Herald-Press office will receive a receipt. Checks or money orders which are mailed in will receive a receipt upon request.

The toy drive only accepts new, unopened, never used, unwrapped items.

"We had to change our policy due to the pandemic and we're continuing it this year," Casteel said."

Donations can be dropped off 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, at the Herald-Press Office, 519 N. Elm St. in Palestine.

Checks should be made payable to the Palestine Herald-Press and may be mailed to P.O. Box 379, Palestine, TX 75802.

For more information on the Stocking Stuffer Toy Drive call Casteel at 903-729-0281.