Fill the Holiday Season with Joy for Underprivileged Kids

Bringing Holiday Magic to Allen County

In Allen County, Indiana, the Santa Joe Project has been a beacon of hope for 12 years. Joe Runyon started this initiative to ensure that children from Allen County, along with those in Adams and Wells counties, have toys to unwrap during the holiday season. Runyon's dedication is truly remarkable.

Currently, 5,000 kids are on the list to receive presents. However, it was recently announced that Toy's for Tots will not be operating in Allen County this year. In response, Runyon stepped up and is serving as the local Santa Claus, determined to fill the gap and make this holiday season special for every child.

Over 100 Drop-off Sites Across the County

The Big Toy Drive for Santa Joe Project has set up over 100 drop-off sites throughout the county. These sites are accepting donations of all kinds, from newborn items to teenage gifts. No child should be left out during the holidays, and this initiative is working hard to ensure that every child gets a present.

Whether it's a small toy or a big gift, every donation counts. Runyon hopes to reach a donation goal of 10,000 collected toys for kids. With the support of the community, this goal is within reach.

Partnerships for a Greater Impact

To make a bigger impact, Santa Joe Project is partnering with various businesses. Icing for Izaac, Snider High School, and the Sarah Zent Foundation are among the partners. These partnerships help in collecting more donations and spreading the word about the project.

The Sarah Zent Foundation is also accepting monetary donations through apps like Cash App, Venmo, and PayPal. In addition, the organization has an Amazon Wishlist where people can donate specific items for children. This makes it convenient for donors to contribute according to their preferences.

The Big Toy Drive Pick-up on December 21

The Big Toy Drive pick-up will be hosted on Saturday, December 21, at Glenbrook from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m. Volunteers are welcome to join in and help with the collection process. It's a great opportunity for the community to come together and make a difference.

For any additional information, you can visit the Santa Joe Project Facebook Page. Stay updated and be a part of this wonderful holiday initiative.