On Wednesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 10, Connecting Henry hosted their 16th annual Community Cares Toy Shop to assist Henry County residents in providing toys for their children for Christmas.

  The Community Cares Toy Shop provides free Christmas toys to qualifying Henry County families identified by the Henry County School system counselors and social workers.

  Toys donated by Henry County residents, organizations, and businesses provided gifts for 773 children and 303 families in 2020.

  “These donations helped so many families provide Christmas for their children,” said Barbara Coleman, Executive Director of Connecting Henry. “This year, the pandemic caused so many to experience job loss and hardship. I am so glad that we were able to be there to assist these families.”

  The toy shop took place at the former Toys-R-Us building at South Point Shopping Center in McDonough. The ideal location was a fitting farewell to the old toy store that was loved by many.

  During the two day event, families arrived at a decorated store filled with Christmas gifts, books, and stocking stuffers. Volunteers greeted the families and led them around to pick out items for their loved ones.

  “We would like to thank everyone that donated toys and volunteered to help decorate the space and helped out during the Community Cares Toy Shop,” said Coleman. “This event would not have been possible without your support.”

  For more information about the Community Cares Toy Shop and how you can help next year, contact Connecting Henry at 770-288-6230 or visit www.connectinghenry.org.