Perry PVO hosting toy drive Friday

Just two weeks after the Houston County Sheriff’s Department delivered Thanksgiving meals to less fortunate families, the Perry Volunteer Outreach [PVO] will host a toy drive on Dec. 13 to give some holiday spirit to families.

The drive will be held at Rozar Park from 6-10 p.m. in order to provide gifts for 125 Perry families and around 400 children that will not be able to get toys for Christmas.

Trish Hayward, a volunteer for PVO, said that they would like to raise $5,000 in donations from the event and that it is a great thing to do for the city.

“We are trying to embrace the community and let the community know that we are here to give back and want to be a part of giving back,” Hayward said. “That is why we partnered with PVO because they are doing different things in community for the last 10 years. We have always given back with them.

“This time we decided to do it a little bigger and let the community know that PVO gives back to the community.”

For those who give a donation, Hayward said that they will give out signed memorabilia which includes some from her son Casey, who plays cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. Those items include signed cards, possibly a signed football from players of the Packers and potentially a personal Casey Hayward signed football jersey.

Donations can be given in the form of cash, toys, clothing, according to Hayward, and she said they will not turn away anything that is donated.

“On Dec. 18, (the families) will come to the PVO and pick up all the donations,” Hayward said. “Each family (125 of them) came and put in an application. Once they put in an application, then they gave a wish, whether they have three or four children, they will write down the wishes for their child and from that list (we will) go and purchase those items.

“The toys and gifts also are to help the other people who didn’t get an opportunity to meet the deadline.”

Hayward said that mayor Jimmy Faircloth and members of the Perry City Council will be on hand. It will give the community not only an opportunity to donate to a worthy cause but citizens can also provide the mayor and council with input of any concerns or problems they may want to bring to their attention.

Aside from this toy drive, Hayward would like to help out the ladies at the Grace Village Retirement Community in Perry.

“That is a very big part of the things I want to do and raise money to help the ladies and their rehab and get back out into the world,” she said. “That’s in my heart to give them clothing, house items, and transition them back into world.”

Although her son isn’t currently playing football right now, Hayward said Casey will make a big impact for the Packers in 2014.

“He is doing great but he iss finished for the season with a hamstring injury, but he will be back strong ready to do his thing next year.” she said.

For more information on the toy drive contact Hayward at 478-952-9251 or the PVO at 478-218-2274.

HHJ News