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O’Neill Center to participate in toy drive

The O’Neill Center is participating again this year in the Marietta Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Challenge.

The toy drive runs Nov. 1 to 17 and the donations will be given to the Salvation Army for its Angel Tree program..

New, unwrapped toys can be dropped off in three locations:

¯ O’Neill Center, 333 Fourth St., Marietta

¯ Belpre Senior Center, 1614 Washington Blvd., Belpre

¯ Marietta Community Foundation, 100 Putnam St., Marietta, on behalf of the O’Neill Center.

The O’Neill Center also participated in the challenge last year.

“Last year we came in first place so the pressure is really on,” said Erin O’Neill, development coordinator, who is spearheading the toy drive for the nonprofit.

“It really is a win-win for everyone though. That’s what I enjoy so much about this challenge,” she said. “In the end, the winning nonprofit benefits, but the children and the families who receive the gifts are truly the winners. And the community that cares so much. We all win.”

According to the Salvation Army, the Angel Tree program helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country each year. Once a child or senior adult has been registered and accepted as an Angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with donors in the community who purchase gifts of new clothing and toys. The gifts are distributed to the family to place under their family Christmas tree.

Applications are being taken at the Salvation Army in Marietta through Nov. 12.

Registration is by appointment only Tuesday through Friday by calling 740-373-4043.

Approximately 560 Washington County children were helped through Angel Tree last year. Gifts were distributed at the Washington County Fair board office just in time for Christmas.

Michele Newbanks can be reached at mnewbanks@mariettatimes.com.

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