The Circleville Sunrise Rotary Club has made a generous contribution to the Pickaway County Community Action Organization’s (PICCA) annual Toys for Tots program. On December 10, the club donated $2,440 to support the initiative, which provides toys, games, and essential items to local children in need during the holiday season. Of the total, $1,440 was raised by individual club members, with the club matching that amount with an additional $1,000.
Toys for Tots is a key program run by PICCA that provides new, unwrapped toys to children aged infant to 17 from low-income families in the area. To learn more about the program or to donate, PICCA can be reached at (740) 477-1655.
Matthias Rickerd, who manages the toy distribution for PICCA, spends much of his time this time of year working out of the program’s toy distribution center, affectionately known as “Santa’s Workshop” on the agency’s Ohio Street campus. Surrounded by shelves of board games, plush animals, baby dolls, and puzzles, Rickerd and his team of volunteers prepare toys for thousands of local children.
“We’ve worked hard to improve the space this fall—painting, reorganizing, and creating a more welcoming environment for families,” said Rickerd, who has been managing the Toys for Tots program for five years. The program, which has been a staple of the community for over 20 years, served 550 families in 2023, helping more than 1,400 children. The total value of the gifts distributed exceeded $70,000.
“The need in our community is growing,” said Becky Hammond, Executive Director of PICCA. “Once again, we are asking for our community to donate toys or cash to help bring holiday joy to children who might otherwise go without.”
The Toys for Tots distribution center opened on October 29 and experienced a record-breaking day, serving 30 families and 99 children. “It was one of the largest distribution days we’ve ever had,” Rickerd added. “Toys may seem like a luxury, but they play a crucial role in a child’s development. They encourage creativity, boost self-esteem, and help foster a sense of belonging.”
The distribution center, located at the PICCA campus, is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. It serves families at or below 175% of the federal poverty level and those facing other hardships. Families must provide proof of income, photo identification, and identification for their children, such as medical or social security cards. Documents can be shown on a phone if necessary.
“If you’re not sure if you qualify, don’t hesitate to reach out to us,” Rickerd said. “We understand that many families face unique hardships, and we will do our best to help make the holidays brighter.”
Once approved, each child—ranging in age from infant to 17—receives $50 worth of toys. The selection varies based on availability, with items restocked as new donations come in.
In addition to individual donations, PICCA also raises funds through events like the annual PICCA Chili Cook-Off to help purchase additional toys. The community’s support plays a crucial role in making the Toys for Tots program a success, ensuring that every child in Pickaway County has a gift to unwrap this holiday season.
For more information about Toys for Tots or to make a donation, contact PICCA at (740) 477-1655.
