GILLETTE, Wyo. — The A.B.A.T.E. toy store, which has been helping needy children in the area for more than 35 years, announced today its upcoming fundraisers for children in need.

The Dec. 3 A.B.A.T.E. Toy Store Toy Parade will begin at 2 p.m. Dec. 3. Floats and riders can line up at Twin Spruce Junior High, 100 E. Seventh St., Gillette, at 1:30 p.m. A visit with Santa will follow the parade, from about 2:30 to 4 p.m., at Masonic Lodge, 407 S. Gillette Ave. The Toy Store will accept new toys at the event. All toys stay local, an event flier said.

Donations can also be made to the Toy Store Fund at Campco Credit Union, 1110 E. Boxelder Road, Gillette. Donors can also contact Jessica Scott at 307-660-6552, James Scott at 307-670-5065 or Nancy Huyck at 307-660-9952.

Gillette Main Street will host the Parade of Lights at 5 p.m. Dec. 3.

There will also be Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon Dec. 4. at American Legion Post 42, 200 Rockpile Blvd., Gillette. Breakfast tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 years old or younger. Breakfast proceeds benefit A.B.A.T.E, which will also accept new, unwrapped toys or cash donations.

To be eligible for toys, residents must contact the Council of Community Services, at 114 4-J Road, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday by Dec. 6. The Council’s phone number is 307-686-2730. They can also visit Wright Community Services, 265 Rochelle Drive, Wright. The phone number for the Wright location is 307-464-1544.

They must complete an application and qualify to receive a voucher for toys.

Families should bring proof of all income, including child support; proof of legal status, such as a social security card, work visa or U.S. birth certificate; and proof of residency in Campbell County. Residency documentation options include a lease or rental agreement or a utility bill. They then bring the voucher and ID to 6001 Mohan Road between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. or 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 16, 17 or 18 so they can shop through the store.

The store is across from Sunshine Custom Paint and Body, Inc. To get there, motorists driving south on Douglas Highway take a right immediately after Komatsu Mining Corp. and then drive about a half-mile south. The toy store will be on the east side of the street.

Kiwanis will also be onsite at the toy store with coats for children, according to a flier.

A.B.A.T.E.’s mailing address is P.O.Box 3676, Gillette, WY 82717. Its email address is newabate@yahoo.com.

For more information, contact Jessica Scott.