WARREN Family Mission falls far short of gifts needed for kids

The mission likes to give each child two big gifts and five smaller presents.
By PEGGY SINKOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- If the Warren Family Mission doesn't receive more than 4,000 toys in the next week, there may be no gifts for small hands to open next week.
The center has received a little more than 300 toys this year, but it was expecting to deliver 5,000 presents, said the Rev. Chris Gilger, mission spokesman.
"We like to give each child from [ages] 1 to 18 two gifts and about five small gifts for stocking stuffers," the Rev. Mr. Gilger said. "But, with what we received so far that is not going to be possible. We don't have enough."
Last year, the center received around 5,000 gifts, but this year donations are down, Mr. Gilger said.
"It's getting really tough because people are realizing that Christmas is next week and they have no gifts for their children," Mr. Gilger said. "To get gifts from the Salvation Army you have to register by sometime in October, and most of the people that come here are not good planners so they didn't sign up."
Officials at the mission, which offers temporary housing, food and clothing, also hoped to get a few gifts children would be able to give to their parents.
"We like to have at least one item for the adult since it is Christmas," Mr. Gilger said. "Most of toys we did get so far were for boys, so while we still need boy toys we also need stuff for girls."
Anyone interested in donating gifts can bring them to the mission at 361 Elm Road. The mission was hoping to have the gifts ready for families by next Monday.
"If it's difficult for someone to bring a gift, and they would rather make a monetary donation they can mail it to us," Mr. Gilger noted. "We shop at Dollar General and can buy gifts for around $10. Whatever help anyone can do would be greatly appreciated."
sinkovich@vindy.com