Published: December 04, 2008 08:37 am      

TFK final registration held Friday

Staff Report

MT. VERNON — Final registration for Toys for Kids of Jefferson County will be held Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Times Square Mall TFK Headquarters.

TFK president Melanie Spangler said so far about 600 children have been registered, and the non-profit organization currently serves around 1,000 youth within the county. For nearly 20 years, TFK has been raising funds and collecting toy donations to provide Christmas gifts for area children.

“The need is out there,” Spangler said. “This year I think there are a lot more who are needy, and I have seen a difference in the registrants. We’ve had more that have come into need recently because of the economy.”

Parents and guardians who sign up their children are required to bring in a current photo ID along with their child’s Medicaid card or a referral from a pastor or school principal.

TFK will be holding its last fund-raiser, Pictures with Santa, at Once Upon a Lifetime Photography from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6. By donating $5 or a toy, children will be photographed with Santa Claus.

In addition, Spangler said a Gingerbread clock hand carved by Jerry Panzier of Waltonville will be raffled off to raise funds for TFK. Tickets may be purchased at $1 each or six for $5.

Volunteers are also needed to help prepare toys for distribution which will be held Dec. 12 at headquarters. For more information or to make a donation, contact Spangler at 246-3029.