“Miracle on May Street”


On Saturday, December 19, 2009, hundreds of Savannah kids will get the Christmas they wish for. In an unprecedented cooperative effort between the Optimists Club, Savannah Chatham County Public School System, JCPenney, Home Depot, Cumulus Broadcasting, and the West Broad Street YMCA, a collection for toys is underway.

“We have been doing this for nearly 30 years”, and every year is better than the last! It’s really not about the toys as much as it is seeing the look on the little people’s faces. They really know they are loved,”says Deborah Enoch, Program Director at the West Broad Street YMCA.

This year has been different from past years, however. Despite all of the companies and people involved, the donations have been very slow in coming.

“I can’t say that I haven’t noticed it,” says Peter Doliber, Executive Director of the West Broad Street YMCA. “But I have faith that our community will not let us down. Usually by this time we have a lot to sort through. So far we have only received about a dozen items.”

The Y is asking for new or gently loved toys, clothing, school supplies or anything that will make a kid smile. The items will be for children from infancy through teens, so there really is no limit on what can be put to good use.

Donations can be brought to the West Broad Street YMCA 1110 May Street, Cumulus Broadcasting at 20 Television Circle, or the JCPenney at Oglethorpe Mall. Money donations are also accepted and the Y staff will do the shopping for you.

The event kicks off on Saturday, December 19 at 9 am at the West Broad Street YMCA. Parents must bring a proof of residency (this event is only open to Savannah residents in the immediate area of the Y) and a social security card for each child (to ensure that the toys are going to kids). One of Santa’s elves will bring the family to the toy shop set up in the Y gym and help them pick out their items.

For more information please contact Peter Doliber at 912 233 1951.


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