Like an assembly line, Hinesville firefighters, soldiers and fraternity members moved boxes of Christmas gifts from the Liberty County Board of Education’s front doors to the waiting cars.
It was part of the Liberty County School System’s annual toy drive, which is now in its eighth year.
The students and families receiving gifts have been selected by the school social workers, said Pamela Farrie, the system’s lead school social worker. There also have been families who are referred by teachers and the community.
“We try to provide some Christmas cheer for families we know are in need this Christmas season,” she said.
Gifts were obtained and delivered for 86 families and 179 children. Those recipients have been helped in some way by the school social work department or through student services.
The gifts were for every age range in the school system. “We serve students throughout the school district, from kindergarten through 12th grade,” Farrie said.
There are toys for the younger ones, and there are such items as toiletries for older students. Clothes and jackets also are distributed and gifts can be purchased and disbursed based on children’s ages and genders. A wish list is sent home with parents to find out what the needs are, Farrie added.
“It just depends on the student’s age,” Farrie said.
The school system’s social work department starts on the event with the beginning of the school year, Farrie said, reaching out to its partners.
“We have a lot of local churches who help us,” Farrie said. “The fire department has been a great contributor and partner for many years. Fort Stewart has been a great partner for many years. We have private donors who reach out to us.”
Georgia Southern University, Another Chance Outreach Ministries and the Hinesville Police Department’s Shop with a Cop program also get involved.
“We work together to make sure all students are blessed with something under the Christmas tree,” Farrie said.
While many parents drive up to the school board office, others are in need of having the gifts delivered, and the volunteers are ready to step in and make the visit.
“They will assist us in all areas,” Farrie said.