Thousands of children across Michigan woke up to presents under the Christmas tree Saturday morning, thanks to Toys for Tots.
Last week, parents had the chance to pick up toys for their little ones.
The Isabella and Clare Counties campaign received over 800 applications this year.
This number was higher than in recent years due to hardships brought on by the pandemic.
Isabella and Clare Counties’ Toys for Tots Coordinator Leah Ryckman said their hard work is all about seeing the smile of relief on parents’ faces.
“It’s just eye opening, people just don’t stop to think about that,” Ryckman said. “I mean, Christmas is a magical time, it doesn’t matter who you are, there’s some type of magic feeling that comes with Christmas and to be a kid and have that crush of not being able to wake up and have that magic and that smile, that happiness—it’s just heartbreaking.”
The Isabella and Clare Counties campaign was just one of many that helped give families in Michigan a merry Christmas.
“If we can change that and we can give that feeling to even just one more child, that’s what it’s all about,” Ryckman said.
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