By Joanne Bailey-Boorsma
joanne@wktv.org
Shay Russo easily admits that it seems like such a small thing, a toy underneath a tree, but to a child it “means the world.”
“But it is tough when you have to decide if you are putting food on the table or purchasing a toy,” Russo said.. And this year, with COVID and the shutdowns, it just seems tougher, she said.
It is why when the City of Wyoming called and asked if Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, would serve as a collection site for this year’s Wyoming Gives Back campaign, Russo and her husband Mike said yes.
“It may not seem like much, a toy under the tree, but to a little one it is so important,” Russo said. “They have that hope and to be able to see just a couple of gifts under the tree keeps that magical wonder alive.”
Due to the COVID-19 crisis, the City of Wyoming has made the move to host a live broadcast on Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. on WKTV Comcast Channel 25 and AT&T U-Verse Channel 99. Four local businesses stepped up to be drop-off locations for area residents. Residents need to drop off toys by Nov. 30. While there, the business owner will give the person a raffle ticket for each new toy donated. Raffle winners will be announced during the live broadcast which will include musical performances, holiday greetings, and a visit from Santa.
Under the current Michigan Department of Health and Human Services order, all of the drop-off locations are open to the public. Those locations are:
Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, small toys, puzzle box-size or smaller, will be accepted at the drive-thru, all others will be by appointment only
Marge’s Donut Den, 1751 28th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 4 a.m. – 4 p.m., Sunday, 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pizza Hut, 132 28th St. SW., Monday – Sunday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Godwin Plumbing & Hardware, 3703 S. Division Ave., Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 6 p.m., Saturday, 7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Russo’s Pizza, 1760 44th St. SW, Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 3 – 10 p.m.
“We are mostly have pick up or delivery, so we are open with people coming in to pick up their food,” Russo said. During the spring shutdown, the restaurant saw an uptick in business and Russo said she hopes that if it happens again with the current partial shutdown it will translate in more toy donations.
Marge Wilson owner of Marge’s Donut Den, another drop-off site, said she is concern that the current shutdown may have some impact on donations.
“The trickle down effect is starting to hit people,” Wilson said. “People are starting to focus more on the needs of their family.”
Still she was amazed by the generosity of her staff and customers who have already donated more than 200 toys, enough to fill nine boxes.
“We had this craft show just before the shutdown and one of the vendors donated about 150 toys,” Wilson said. “That and several of the staff and customers have come in with items as well.”
Last year, more than 800 toys were collected for the annual event, and with the support of the participating businesses, the City raffled nearly $4,000 in prizes. Many area businesses have again donated to the raffle prizes with an array of items being offered.
Also this year, the Wyoming Gives Back has added a Santa’s Kids Coloring Contest. Area students will be able to submit coloring pates or drawings for a chance to win a prize. Templates can be downloaded from the event webpage. Completed coloring pages need to be returned to the dropbox or drive-thru at Wyoming City Hall, 1155 28th St. SW, by Nov. 30 to be entered into the drawing.
For more information about Wyoming Gives Back, visit the event page.
