Salvation Army distributes toys, gifts and food in Pottsville to families in need
Dec. 20—POTTSVILLE — Thousands of gifts were distributed to families and children Monday for the final day of the Salvation Army's Christmas toy campaign.
A partnership with Toys for Tots, the Marine Corps Reserve toy drive, the effort is an annual tradition intended to provide Christmas assistance for local families in need.
This year, more than 200 people turned out for a chance to pick up toys and food at the Life Centre Foursquare Gospel Church on Mahantongo Street, which has served as the distribution point for the past 14 years.
With temperatures hovering around 30 degrees Monday, the church drew dozens of visitors, many of whom had applied ahead of time for the opportunity to receive toys.
Although Thursday was the designated day for the toy-only distribution, the Salvation Army extended the distributions to Friday due to the winter storm.
Monday was the toy-and-food distribution, with people receiving Boyer's gift cards and boxes of food in addition to the traditional Christmas gifts for children.
Theresa Nebistinsky, Salvation Army sergeant-major, said volunteers had been working since the day after Thanksgiving to collect and organize the toys.
"This is so fulfilling," she said. "Just to see the looks on people's faces when they get what they asked for.
"We love to see tears com e down people's faces."
This year, the gifts went to families in seven ZIP codes, including in Minersville, Saint Clair, Pottsville and Port Carbon.
Nebistinsky said about 250 families had signed up for the distribution, which included more than 500 children across the area.
Among the gifts distributed Monday were toys such as Legos, dolls, block sets and action figures, along with items like blankets, crafts, makeup products and inline skates.
Moving forward, Nebistinsky said, she would like to see a greater number of gifts for older children, as the program serves youngsters up to age 12.
"We're determined to get what the kids want in those boxes," she said.
Several volunteers and Salvation Army personnel were on hand Monday for the distribution, including Lt. Derek Barrett and his wife, Lt. Betty Ellen Barrett, commanding officers of the Salvation Army Pottsville Corps.
"It's just a blessing to give to the community," Nebistinsky said.
Lexis Dumbuya, of Pottsville, was among scores of people in line Monday to receive the gifts. A first-time participant, Dumbuya applied for the distribution as a way to provide for her family.
"I lost my grandmother a couple days ago, so we're struggling a lot," she said. "This is going to help give my son a Christmas. ... I feel very happy and appreciated."
Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085
