By Khalida Sarwari
It’s that time of year to start collecting toys and canned foods for the less fortunate, and to that end the city of Saratoga has officially kicked off its annual food and toy drive.
The city holds the drive every year to help families in need during the holiday season. Last year, Saratoga collected 2,300 pounds of food, 500 pounds more than in the previous year.
City staff member Lynette Elliott started the food drive in 2007 shortly after coming on board the recreation and facilities department. Deputy city clerk Debbie Bretschneider is credited with coming up with the idea for a community toy drive in 2008. The toy drive began with city employee donations but expanded in 2010 to include community contributions.
“I have a child of my own, and I remember how his face lit up every Christmas morning when he saw his presents under the tree,” said Bretschneider. “It’s great to see the community come together and bring that kind of happiness to children in need.”
The most needed food items include canned tuna, peanut butter, baked beans, canned nuts, powdered milk, 100-percent juice in boxes or cans and canned vegetables and fruits. Other requested food items are boxed pasta, rice, cereal and canned soups and stews.
The city is accepting new and unwrapped toy donations through Dec. 16 and food donations through Dec. 21. Specially marked collection containers will be placed at locations throughout the city.
After the items are collected, they’ll be sorted and donated, the food to the Second Harvest Food Bank and the toys to the Sacred Heart Community Service. The organization is requesting nonviolent toys for infants up to teenagers. This year, Sacred Heart’s goal is to give 18,000 toys, bicycles and books to children in need.
Food items can be dropped off at the Joan Pisani Community Center, the Saratoga Library and the Prospect Center. Drop-off locations for toys are at Saratoga City Hall and the Saratoga Historical Museum.
