WELLINGTON, Fla. — A group of mothers in Wellington is once again making sure families in need are having a happy holiday season.
Every year, the Mom's Club of Wellington chooses families in need to purchase gifts for their children.
This year's toy drive began in August with organizers reporting an outpouring of support from local residents, surpassing expectations.
"Due to the pandemic, the last several years has caused local families to forgo behind able to help buy holiday gifts for their children," said Aimee Stern, founder of The Mom's Club of Wellington.
In addition to gifts, the group collected gift cards and non-perishable goods to help local families in need of food.
"We've covered people for Hanukkah, so that's past, and they've had a great holiday, and now Christmas and Kwanzaa are just around the corner, and there's going to be a lot of happy children, so I'm thrilled," Stern said.
The toy drive ended Thursday for donations. The disbursement of the holiday items will be conducted Dec. 18-22.
"I think there's probably so many more even that didn't reach out and ask her, that's why the more donations the better, just people are sometimes afraid to ask," said Nicole Zwibel, who helped with the toy drive.
The group said more than 500 children will be receiving gifts this holiday season thanks to the help of the kindness of their neighbors.
Twice as many families were in need this holiday season compared to last year, according to organizers.
Stern said the drive originated as a way to teach her children about the gift of giving.