Loveland Initiative is proud once again to host the 12th Annual Christmas Toy Store. Christmas is a wonderful time of the year, especially for children. With our annual Toy Store, we make it just as wonderful for low-income parents.
The Toy Store was created to help families who could not afford toys and gifts. Purchasing toys and gifts at a discount helps parents feel that they are contributing to their child's Christmas while enabling the parents to choose items based on their child's interests and needs.
We are committed to using the money raised by the Toy Store for the betterment of children and families in Loveland. The past 8 years, the money raised has been used for the Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund which assists a student to further his or her education. We are very proud that twelve college scholarships have been awarded to Loveland graduates. Each year, we award a $1500 scholarship. Any additional money raised will go towards our other educational programs. We feel that one of the ways to empower people is through education and this is the way to break the cycle of poverty. Without you, we cannot offer help to these children.
Approximately 200+ children from low-income families in the Loveland area will receive gifts via our Toy Store. Each family will sign up (Pre-register and financially qualify) for a specific shopping slot and they will be able to purchase approximately 3-5 gifts per child. Parents/Grandparents come into a store setting (set up by volunteers) with tables marked by price to purchase items for $0.50 to $5 per gift.
The 12th Annual Christmas Toy Store will be held at the Loveland Fireman’s VFW Hall 227 East Loveland Avenue on Friday, December 18 2009. We will be accepting donations of NEW UNWRAPPED toys and gifts for children, preteens and teens. (See attached suggested gift list).
Please drop off donated toys and gifts at the Loveland Fireman’s Association VFW Hall 227 East Loveland Avenue (½ mile from Loveland Symmes Fire Department) every Friday 2 PM to 4 PM and 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM starting November 6, 13, 20, 27 & December 4, 11.
Last minute items may also be dropped off on these days and dates listed; Wednesday, December 16 from 2 – 7:00 PM, Thursday, December 17 from 2 – 7:00 PM, and Friday, December 18 from Noon until-9:00 PM.
We can also make arrangements to pick up gifts. In addition to gifts, we always need volunteers for pick-up, wrapping, displays and transportation. We are confident that our community will once again come together to help the children and the families in Loveland. Please feel free to call or e-mail lovelandinitiative@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns. Thank you in advance for your help!
Sincerely,
Terri Rogers
Download a printable Shopping List: SUGGESTED GIFT LIST
Continue reading about Tracy Johnson and the scholarship in her name...
(2/18/72 -2/7/2000)
Tracy Lynn Johnson was born to Joseph Stanley Walker and Delores Johnson on February 18, 1972. She departed her earthly home on February 7, 2000. Tracy was involved in many activities such as, Girl Scouts, Cheerleading, and a model of Barbizon School of Modeling. Tracy loved helping people to reach their goals despite her illness, which encouraged her to keep striving.
At the age of 8, Tracy became sick with a virus that led to a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle disease. She attended Loveland Schools through her sophomore year and transferred to the Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education where her physical needs could be better met. She graduated in 1991 from the now closed Cincinnati Academy of Physical Education (CAPE).
Upon graduation, Tracy enrolled at Wright State University to study Sociology but had to abandon these plans when she encountered challenges with physical care away from home. Not to be deterred, she transferred to Raymond Walters College to continue her dream of a college education. In 1997 Tracy suffered a stroke; that led to heart problems (a complication of her illness) forced her to postpone her dream. With continued perseverance, and only five months before her death, Tracy enrolled at Raymond Walters a second time. Her illness once again (her third try) forced her to abandon her college dreams. Her uncle Milton said, "Tracy just wanted to learn." Through her struggle with Muscular Dystrophy, Tracy Johnson demonstrated courage and perseverance to further her educational goals.
This $1500.00 scholarship is provided by monies raised by the Toy Store for the betterment of children and families in Loveland. The past 7 years, the monies raised has been used for the Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund which assists a student to further his or her education. Any additional money raised will go towards our other educational programs. We are very proud that twelve college scholarships have been awarded to Loveland graduates. The Loveland Initiative Tracy Johnson Scholarship Fund places emphasis on financial need, community service and academic achievement. The applicant must have a desire to (a plan for) attaining further education or training (college, tech or trade school, or other training). We feel one of the ways to empower people is through education and is the way to break the cycle of poverty.
