Basketballs and Barbie dolls. These items, contained in bags along with many other toys, are among the abundance of gifts awaiting parents next Thursday and Friday at an east Columbus mission.
The seventh annual Toy Shop, hosted by Mission Columbus Central at the Columbus Baptist Association, is an opportunity for families in need to get presents, despite their financial situations. Many of the Southern Baptist congregations in the local association pool their resources to help.
“We tell them: ‘Everything we give you will run out, but God’s love will never forsake you,’” said the Rev. Eric Hammond, who directs Mission Columbus Central, located on the corner of Steam Mill and Buena Vista roads.
Only families who have already filled out applications can select gifts. Applicants came from among those who already use the nonprofit; others are from people who simply heard about the event and walked in.
Before receiving the gifts, guests will hear a brief Gospel presentation. The ministry receives no government funding in order to make this possible, said Hammond, who considers this the most important part of the event.
After listening to the presentation, each family will be escorted to the second-story gift rooms, decorated by Bible verses, by their own personal shopper.
“If they have children with them, there will be an area where the children can pick out gifts for their parents ,” Hammond said.
Rooms in the ministry center will be separated based on age group, and gifts by gender. After selecting their presents, the parents can have their gifts wrapped in the sanctuary that sits in the front of the property.
Everything is free. This is the association’s third major annual giveaway. Kits 4 Kids, held each summer, provides free school supplies. Then comes the annual Thanksgiving food drive.
Each weekday, the mission’s clothing and food pantry are open for those in need.
Hammond said the needs are only increasing, as unemployment remains high.
“There’s a desperation present in our community that’s heartbreaking. But we do what we can with what we’ve got. Jesus has a way of multiplying things.”
In the Christmas effort last year, about 15 of the 48 local Southern Baptist congregations took part, either by donating items or money or providing volunteers.
Sandra Barnes, a member of North-side Baptist Church, is the lay lead, or head volunteer. It’s her fourth year volunteering and her third as the lay lead.
“I feel like it’s a calling for me,” she said. “As a child, my family was the recipient of a similar ministry (at North Phenix Baptist in Phenix City, Ala.) and so I have an opportunity to express the love of God based on that experience. I was able to see the love of God that comes through giving. This is my way of giving back.”
Barnes thinks most people are oblivious to the depth of need locally. She gets to hear some of their stories.
“There are some families we see in repeat years but then others have gone from a steady income to being unemployed and having nowhere else to go. ‘My husband had a great job,’ one person said. We see all types of people.”
As the toy drive runs on clockwork now, with volunteers and staff accustomed to the drill after six years running, surprises remain.
“Every year, some businesses hear about it and come up and give items,” said the Rev. Jimmy Blanton, associational missionary who directs the Columbus Baptist Association . “People have been very generous to us.”
Donations can still be received through early next week at 3679 Steam Mill Road. Or you may call 706-507-4672.
