Art Lustenberger: December brings Toys for Kids campaign, ‘Stuff a Cruiser’ event

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Published: 11-30-2023 5:57 PM

Modified: 12-01-2023 4:12 PM

The Southampton Lions Club is beginning its 15th annual Toys for Kids campaign. As in past years, our loyal, normal collection sites are open to walk-in customers. As a reminder, those sites are located in the Southampton branches of both Bank ESB and PNCU, along with The Package Store, a shipping business in the Hampton Ponds Plaza in Westfield.

In addition to these locations, we will also continue holding collections on Saturdays, Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the gazebo in the center of town.

Also, we are pleased to continue our sixth collaboration with the Southampton Police Department for their “Stuff a Cruiser” event on Saturday, Dec. 9, in the Police Department parking lot.

All toys are donated to the Easthampton Community Center, where they are then distributed to children and families in need in the immediate area.

New, unwrapped toys for children 12 and under are appreciated. For those who cannot or choose not to shop, monetary donations will be accepted and converted to gift cards for older kids as well as for toy purchases for highly requested items where there is a demonstrated need. Last year’s total, thanks to very generous and giving people in the area, resulted in 1,123 toys and 54 gift certificates of $25 for teens too old for toys but still in need of some Christmas cheer.

The need continues to be greater than ever. Anyone unable or unwilling to attend one of the aforementioned events can call 413-626-1989 to arrange a no-contact pickup.

Thanks in advance for your continuing support of this worthwhile cause.

Art Lustenberger

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