Annual Toys for Tots Campaign Begins
PICCA seeking donations to meet growing need in community
More Holiday Cheer – PICCA Executive Director Becky Hammond (L.) and Matthias Rickerd celebrate the opening of a renovated space that serves as Toys for Tots headquarters.
By Jeff Phillips
CIRCLEVILLE, OHIO (November 5, 2024) – This time of the year, Matthias Rickerd spends more time away from his primary office at Pickaway County Community Action (PICCA), working instead in a space surrounded by board games and baby dolls, and puzzles and plush animals, to name a few.
Rickerd manages the toy distribution for PICCA’s annual Toys for Tots program, which provides toys, games, clothing and essential supplies to local low-income families. The program is operated from a building on PICCA’s Ohio Street campus, affectionately known as Santa’s Workshop.
Rickerd, with the help of agency volunteers, gave the space a facelift this fall, painting walls and reorganizing shelving to better serve families.
In 2023, the Toys for Tots program served 550 families. More than 1,400 children received toys with a total value of nearly $70,000.
“The need in our community is growing,” said PICCA Executive Director Becky Hammond. “Once again, we are asking for our community to donate cash or toys to help brighten the holiday season for a child in need.”
PICCA has operated the Toys for Tots for more than 20 years. Rickerd, who provides program administration at the agency, has managed the program for five years.
The Toys for Tots distribution center opened on Oct. 29. Thirty families and 99 children where served that day, setting a record.
“This was the biggest opening and one of the largest distribution day ever,” Rickerd said. “Toys may not seem as a vital need, but they serve an important role in child development. Toys encourage imagination and play, boost self-esteem and help create a sense of belonging.”
The distribution center is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The program serves families living at 175 percent federal poverty levels and other hardships.
Applicants must bring a photo identification, and must show proof of income and identification for their children, including medical cards, social security cards and state identification cards, Rickerd said. The required documents can be photos on individual’s phone. PICCA verifies but does not need copies of those documents.
“If you’re unsure if you qualify, give us a call,” Rickerd said. “There’s a lot of unique hardships facing families today, and we’ll do what we can to make the holidays a little better.”
Once qualified, children aged infant to 17 each receive $50 worth of toys. Selection varies by day. Restocking occurs as donations are received, he said.
To help raise money to purchase more toys, the agency hosts its annual PICCA Chili Cook-Off.
This year’s event is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m. in Heritage Hall at the Pickaway County Fairgrounds. Admission to the event is $7, granting access to as much chili as someone can eat and live entertainment from Marty Hayes and the Xperience Students. In addition, PICCA will hold a silent auction, lottery and gift card tree raffle, and live auction to raise additional funds at the event.
Twenty-one chili recipes are already entered by individuals and business and civic organizations. Judging will determine which recipe is considered the best this year in the categories of Specialty Chili and Original Chili, with a special vote by attendees for People’s Choice. PICCA also will sell hot dogs and chips. Alcoholic beverages will be sold by the fairgrounds. Santa and Mrs. Claus will also stop by for a photo opportunity.
Donations of cash or unwrapped toys may be brought to PICCA, 469 E. Ohio St., Circleville, OH 43113. For more information, contact Rickerd at (740) 477-1655.