Toys fill a collection box at the Perry Public Library for the annual toy drive. Allison Ullmann/Raccoon Valley Radio

It’s the final push to donate items for Perry’s Annual Toy Drive.

John Andorf, who helps organize the drive with his wife Linda and Dallas County New Opportunities, says a majority of the collection boxes will be picked up this weekend. Additionally, he points out that boxes will be located at the Fareway and Hy-Vee stores along with the Perry Public Library through Christmas.

John invites community members to drop off unwrapped toys at any of the collection boxes located throughout town. Andorf mentions that toys and other gift items are needed for youth ages 0-14, though gift cards and other items are appreciated for up to age 17. 

He notes that the toys will be distributed to youth within the Perry Community School District next week. John adds that New Opportunities are still taking applications for families looking to be recipients of the free toys. The application process is based on income guidelines.

The Andorfs have been helping organize the toy drive for multiple years and John shares his thoughts about his favorite part of the event. 

“I just enjoy helping the families. You hear these sad stories from families about ‘I know I’m signing up late, but I just lost my job.’ Or the one about the mother who told her older kids that they weren’t going to get any toys this year because they didn’t have the money. Well, she applied and we made sure they got toys. It kind of pulls at your heart and I think I get more benefit out of it than the families, just feeling good about making it happen.”

Volunteers will help sort toys on Dec. 8-10. The toys will then be distributed to qualified families on Dec. 11-12 at the Perry Elks Lodge. Items from the Marine Corps Toys for Tots program will be added to the locally donated toys based on the number of children and ages provided by New Opportunities. 

For more information on donating to the annual toy drive program, contact the Andorfs at 515-465-5803. The full list of the collection locations can be found below.

The sites include:

• Perry Public Library

• Misfits & More

• Van Wall Implement

• Tractor Supply

• Family Credit Union

• Dollar General

• Dollar Tree

• Hy-Vee

• Fareway

• Courtyard Cafe

• The Farm Store & Bakery

• Century Farm Books & Brews

• TCG Planet