BECKLEY — Just four days ago in this space, we lamented the depths to which thieves sink when they steal bronze markers from veterans’ graves and copper pipe from churches.
Today we can add another low to the list.
Word recently came out of Wyoming County that a break-in at the storage site of the Wyoming County Toy Fund has left the fund just about toyless for its Dec. 19 distribution party.The fund had taken advantage of an opportunity to buy toys in the off-season at a significant discount. Then, as workers began their prep for the party, they made the horrifying discovery that many of the toys had been stolen and most of the remainder vandalized.
Fund Chairman Todd Houck fears the fund may not survive. Not only will it have to replace those toys, they also found out they will be serving more children than ever.
“We won’t be able to shop until the last minute,” Houck told The Register-Herald. “And if no donations come in, we won’t be able to shop — period.”
In a worst case scenario, he says if this isn’t a good year for donations, it might be the fund’s last year.
What a tragedy that would be for the neediest children in Wyoming County. Their one chance to have presents for Christmas, stolen along with the toys.
Nor is this the Christmas lesson we want to have to teach our children — a lesson not about the good will of the season, rather one of the harsh reality of the world in which we live.
We realize budgets are stretched thin at this time of year. But we would ask that you spare a slice of that pie for the Wyoming County Toy Fund to help ensure its survival.
The fund is about 12 years old and is an offshoot of Mac’s Toy Fund, an 80-year staple in Raleigh County. After an initial boost from Mac’s, the Wyoming Toy Fund has stood independently as a well-managed nonprofit that has made sure that thousands of children receive Christmas presents, warm clothing and other gifts.
Yes, the Grinch stole the Wyoming County Toy Fund’s Christmas. But with your help, the wreck left behind will only be a small ding that will be quickly repaired and soon will fade into a dim memory.
To help ensure that the neediest of Wyoming County’s children have a happy Christmas in 2010, mail a tax-deductible donation to L. Dale Stewart, treasurer; P.O. Box 268; Matheny, WV 24860 or make a cash contribution at any branch of First People’s Bank or First Community Bank.