The Henry County Government once again collaborated with Connecting Henry for their annual Community Cares Toy Shop. This toy shop has been a resource to the community for over 19 years and is one of Connecting Henry’s biggest events each year.

  On Thursday, December 5, and Friday, December 6, toys were handed out to individuals in the Henry County community that are most in need this holiday season.

  In partnership with Connecting Henry for four years, the Henry County Government added their resources to Connecting Henry and provided the location for the toy drive and a number of volunteers from their fire, police and administrative staff to assist in the two day event.

    “We want to try to spread the load. Henry County has over 1,800 employees, so we are able to assist in getting additional volunteers to help with this event,” said Shannan Sagnot, Interim Director of Human Resources for Henry County. “We see a need and are trying to fill in some of the gaps in services to the community. Unfortunately, we are not able to do as much as may be needed, but it is our desire for every child to have something on Christmas Day.”

  During the event, recruits from the Henry County Fire Department, Henry County Police Department officers, Connecting Henry staff and local volunteers assisted in helping individuals shop for their friends, children or grandchildren in need.

  “I love volunteering. To know that these children are getting something special that they would not have been able to get is just amazing,” said Jane Lawler, a 15 year volunteer. “It fills me to be able to give and to watch their faces. We have parents that come in that cry. Everyone is overcome with joy to be able to supply things for their children and to make them happy.”

  For the past month, Connecting Henry has been receiving donations from businesses, churches, and individuals in the community for children ages infant through 5th grade.

  “[The Community Cares Toy Shop] is by the community, for the community. Businesses and churches contribute funds to us to buy the items,” said Janice Jacoby, Finance Manager & Grant Writer for Connecting Henry. “Everything is donated by the community. Nothing comes out of our coffers unless we raise it specifically for this event.”

  Last year, toys were provided to 359 families and 956 children. The number of children and families assisted this year has not yet been finalized, but so far, 272 families and 661 children were provided toys for the holiday season.

  “I am shopping for my son. Things have been a little rough this year and I was not able to do anything for him,  so this is really a blessing for us,” said Kemisha Tyson, recipient of the Community Cares Toy Shop.

  Local donors to the Community Cares Toy Shop included Georgia Power, Metro Brokers, the Rotary Club, the Henry County Library System, Piedmont Henry Hospital, Benton Village of Stockbridge, Stockbridge Assembly, Stock-bridge Community Church, Timberridge Presbyterian Church, and Global Impact Church, among many others.