Every year, the Orange County Department of Social Services in Hillsborough turns itself into Santa’s workshop – and delivers toys to kids all over the area.

It’s the annual Orange County Toy Chest – and it’s helped make Christmas possible for thousands of local families.

There are about 10,000 Orange County families that receive services from DSS. The department brings in about 3,000 of those families over a two-day period in December to pick out toys for their children. Toys are donated by local residents, at collection boxes across the county.

This year’s Toy Chest takes place on Saturday, December 19, from 10 am to 6 pm, and Sunday, December 20, from noon to 6 pm. Each family gets to select two to three gifts per child.

Organizers are now seeking toy donations, especially toys suitable for boys and girls ages 6-12. They’re also seeking volunteers to help make the event a reality. (Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially welcome.)

Human services manager Sharron Hinton stopped by WCHL this week and spoke with Aaron Keck.

 

For more information on the event and how you can get involved, donate or volunteer, visit Hillsborough-NC.ToysForTots.org. You can also contact Hinton by phone at 919-245-2840, or by email at shinton@orangecountync.gov.

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