You can make a difference with just “ONE G1FT.” Southwire’s Project GIFT Blackshirt volunteers are kicking off this year’s toy drive with a goal to collect more than 5,000 toys for Carroll County Toys for Tots. Southwire will host its 14th annual toy drive on Thursday, Dec. 6 and Friday, Dec. 7 in the Walmart parking lot in Carrollton, Ga.
Project GIFT volunteers will accept new, unwrapped toys for children, ranging from zero to 17 years of age, from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. during the two-day collection event. Southwire has partnered with local businesses and schools across Carroll County to encourage participants to bring at least ONE G1FT for the drive.
“The ONE G1FT Challenge encourages participants to become part of the Toys for Tots campaign, in whatever capacity they are able,” said Kersha Cartwright, Southwire’s ONE G1FT coordinator for this holiday season. “ONE G1FT or 20, big or small, will make a difference for boys and girls in the west Georgia area.”
Designated “ONE G1FT Champion” businesses and schools encourage their participants to donate at least one gift to contribute – earning them a ONE G1FT Champion badge. During the collection on Thursday, Dec. 6, entertainment will be provided by student groups from local schools from 5 until 7 p.m., and cookies and cocoa will be served.
“At Sharp Creek Elementary, we are committed to teaching children the importance of community and developing a strong understanding of citizenship at an early age,” said Dr. Kiley Thompson, Principal at Sharp Creek Elementary School and one of Southwire’s community partners. “Project GIFT provides us an opportunity to put these lessons into action and allow our students to give back in a way that is very real to them during the Christmas season.”
All items collected will be delivered to the Carroll County chapter of the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program (Toys for Tots) for distribution in the area. Per its website, the primary goal of Toys for Tots is to deliver, through a new toy at Christmas, a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them in becoming responsible, productive and patriotic citizens.
“Every child deserves a little Christmas,” said Lori Graham, LCO coordinator for Carroll County Toys for Tots. “This year, we are expecting to serve 4,000 children and Carroll County Toys for Tots is extremely grateful for the continual support of Southwire’s Project GIFT.”
This collection is possible thanks to many local sponsors for the Southwire-hosted event for 2018, including West Georgia Technical College, Systems and Methods, Associated International Riggers, Times-Georgian, Gradick Communications, Wallace Graphics and many more.
“Our sponsors are critical for our success each year,” said Cartwright. “Every person and every organization’s donation plays a part in reaching our goal. Even ONE G1FT can make a difference.”
To become a ONE G1FT Champion or donate to the cause, contact Kersha Cartwright at (770) 832-4427. For updates and additional information regarding Southwire’s toy drive, follow Southwire Community on Facebook.
