Approximately 800 children in Haralson County were assisted through the local Toys for Tots program last week, according to preliminary reports from organizers.

Haralson County Toys for Tots Coordinator Kersha Cartwright said their goal was to give two or three large gifts and a couple stocking stuffers per child in an effort to make their Christmas special despite the hardships families faced this holiday season.

Starting Tuesday, Dec. 15, families began lining the halls of the old Haralson County Elementary School in Tallapoosa to pick up their presents. Their items ranged from dolls to stuffed animals for younger boys and girls, to games and gadgets for the older children.

“The families were very appreciative, and a lot of them had never been in that position before, so they were grateful for the community’s support,” Cartwright said.

She said the Haralson County Veteran’s Association and student organizations from Haralson County High School also participated in helping sort and fill orders prior to the distribution period.

“We were very pleased with the young people,” added Curtis Eidson, Haralson County representative for the Marine Corp League in Carrollton. “The teens jumped in and did a fantastic job doing something worthwhile for other children.”

Eidson and his wife, Brenda, were very hands-on during the distribution period, which carried into Christmas night due to the increase in demand this year. He said generous donations from local businesses ensured that every child granted eligibility for the program received assistance. Eidson has volunteered with local Toys for Tots efforts over the years, and while this year’s run seems successful, he recalled a recurring challenge gathering donations for children between the ages of 10 and 14.

“The children in older age groups are harder to buy for, so getting toy donations for that group is also hard to get,” he said.

Cartwright said their observation showed interest in electronics and various gadgets, which can be costly; therefore, organizers are drumming up ideas for fundraisers to hold in the fall, which will also be aimed to raise awareness about Toys for Tots in Haralson County.

Toys for Tots participants thanked citizens for teaming up in the annual effort, assuring that the toys collected are dispersed only to county residents. Businesses that participated in Toys for Tots this year included Sanders Insurance, Southwire and Pilot Travel Center.

“Thanks to the community’s support, we had a surplus in toys that we’re saving for disbursement in Haralson County next year,” Eidson said.