The Dent County Toy Drive conducted its 49th year of distribution the morning of Monday, Dec. 22 at the Armory, in which 20 volunteers helped distribute donated gifts to 94 families and over 200 children. In addition to its much appreciated regular volunteers, assisting in distribution this year was the youth group of the Church of Latter-day Saints, which organizer Dianne Godi shared helped immensely.
Each year, the community has shown up for kids in need. This year was no different, shared Godi, as without the community’s continued support, the Toy Drive would not be celebrating its 49th anniversary in Dent County.
“Our community should be very proud, this program exists because of donations and volunteers who step up year after year,” said Godi. “We are also incredibly thankful for everyone that contributed to the toy drive.”
In addition, Godi thanked the Sachs family for their contributions.
“A big thank you to Jacques and Cindy Sachs for donating the space for our Toy Room,” shared Godi. “This has made a huge difference for our program. In the past, we had to unbox toys to distribute them, then re-box and store everything until the next year. Because of their generosity, we are now able to leave our toys set up year-round, which has been a true blessing.”
Godi further shared that the Toy Drive is coming up on its 50th year in 2026, and that volunteers are already making plans to make its annual Christmas in July fundraiser its biggest yet.
“Join us for Christmas in July on July 25th as we celebrate our big 50 years,” shared Godi on the event. “This family-friendly event will feature BBQ, live music, a craft show, vintage cars and motorcycles, and free carnival games for the kids. We try to make this our only fundraising event of the year, so please keep us in mind this July.”
After the fire last year, volunteers with the Dent County Toy Drive took a year off from fundraising and were able to rely on the monetary and toy donations it had received to get it through 2025.
“That support has been a blessing and helped us recover from such a devastating loss,” commented Godi. “But have no fear—we will be back out there next year asking for help!”
Make plans to come out and support the Dent County Toy Drive’s 50th anniversary at its annual Christmas in July fundraiser July 25, 2026.
Thank you for being such an amazing community.
