Merakey High Point Center employees met this week to pick up gifts collected through the nonprofit’s holiday toy drive and delivered them to local families just in time for the holidays. Merakey’s High Point Center in DuBois has collected gifts for more than 20 local children and adolescents that are currently in Merakey’s Foster Care program. “The toy drive is truly wonderful,” said foster parent Sherri Bett. “It makes that Christmas experience extra special for foster children because, while we still certainly buy them gifts on our own, it’s nice to have the extra provided to the kids. There are things that were on their list and they just get so excited on Christmas morning.”
Michelle Buzard, Merakey’s executive director of child welfare, said she enjoys getting the pictures and the stories from the program staff who are able to deliver those toys to the homes. It’s a good feeling, she said, seeing the children and their response, and the family’s appreciation for it.
Throughout the month of December, the Merakey Foundation has worked to collect gifts and donations to support children and families in Merakey’s Foster Care program. Approximately 200 youth across Pennsylvania were surprised this year with gifts from Merakey’s Holiday Toy Drive.
Read the full article here.