The Oneida Daily Dispatch (Oneida, NY)
HOLIDAY CHEER
Share a Caring Christmas: Hundreds of toys collected for area families
ONEIDA, N.Y. » For 34 years, Share a Caring Christmas has helped well over 15,000 local families in need and brightened their holidays.
Festivities kicked off with the arrival of Santa Claus, who rode in on an Oneida fire truck, followed by music, food and collecting toys beneath the giant tree on the Nye Ford showroom floor. Entertainment featured Fritz’s Polka band, St. Patrick School Choir, singer and guitarist AnnWieder, Mrs. Claus and her Puppet Friends and more.
Nye Automotive employee Amanda Moyer has participated in Share a Caring Christmas several times over the years, first as part of the North Broad Street Choir as a child 18 years ago, and later as a single mother trying to provide Christmas gifts for her eldest son. After being introduced to Karing Kitchen Coordinator Melissa King, Moyers was able to sign up for the list.
“It was huge. It gave my son toys that I wouldn’t be able to provide myself,” she said. “After rent and other expenses, there wasn’t much left for Christmas for him.”
People are encouraged to donate toys, whether brand new or gently used to Nye Automotive. While toys are being accepted up to Christmas Eve, organizers would like everything in by Dec. 20 so the toys can be distributed.
“The only reason this can continue to happen each year is to have the pieces come together. That’s the hard part,” King said. “Our goal is to make sure each child gets three to four toys, a book and a game for the family.”
“If you look back at the event, not only does it touch people who are recipients, but also touch those who are involved and come here through the years,” Kelly Karramsaid.
Karing Kitchen will also host a used toy distribution on Dec. 13 from10 a.m. to noon at the First UnitedMethodist Church. Those
still seeking assistance during the holidays can reach out to Karing Kitchen via telephone at (315)363-245.
Share a Caring Christmas has become something of a tradition in the area. It all began when Harold Nye and Carol Neveu realized there was a need in the community and started the event as a way to brighten the holidays for families by bringing toys to those who need them.
The salesman of Nye delivered toys personally on Christmas Eve all those years ago to about 50 fami- lies. This year, Nye is looking to deliver to 500 and the list can still grow.
PAC 99 recorded the event and will be rebroadcasting.