Sharon Anderson, Toy Shop Volunteer
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December 9, 2011
Filed under Volunteer Spotlight
Picture toys stacked on tables decorated beautifully with holiday wrapping paper. It’s like pictures you’ve seen of toys created at Santa’s workshop. That was my reaction when I walked into STEP’s holiday toy distribution for the first time. I think this magical moment was shared by a few children who came with their parents to help choose toys for their brothers or sisters. Their faces just lit up when they walked into the room.
Toys are divided by age and gender. Many can be used by either a boy or girl. You can imagine the younger boys’ section with trucks, trains, and blocks. In the older boys’ section, there are footballs, basketballs, CD players, electric guitars, and much more. The younger girls’ section has lots of dolls, dollhouses, buggies, high chairs, and similar items. Some of the popular items in the older girls’ section are bead kit sets, CD players, and matching bedding sets. I certainly haven’t forgotten the infant section with all of the wonderfully creative toys for tiny hands.
Tables in the Toy Shop set up for St. Louis Park families
Each family is unique, and that’s what makes the volunteer experience so incredibly gratifying. I felt honored as some families shared their stories, and it was so much fun helping them make their selections. It is truly one of the highlights of the holiday for me.
I recall one mother who was frantic and a bit teary as she walked in. She had difficulty getting a ride and thought she’d be so late that everything would be gone. It touched my heart to watch her find the “perfect” items for her children. She left smiling ear to ear with only tears of joy. That can be attributed to the forethought of putting out new toys for each shift to ensure there is a continuous good selection of items.
Last year my granddaughter, Jayde, helped with the distribution. The minute we left, her first comment was, “I really want to help with this again next year.” She and I were both very impressed with the generosity of St. Louis Park residents.
Both the staff at STEP and the volunteers have a caring, cooperative spirit. The event is organized extremely well, and the volunteers are truly the best. Helping with the holiday toy distribution is a totally joyful experience. Thanks to STEP and the entire St. Louis Park community for making this happen!
Sharon Anderson has been a STEP Holiday Volunteer for many years now and currently also volunteers in STEP’s Clothes Closet twice a month with her sister. She is pictured above (center) with her granddaughter, Jade (L), and another STEP volunteer, Nancy (R).