GILLETTE, Wyo. — The ABATE Toy store is looking for sponsors and donations to continue its mission of providing free toys to needy children in northeast Wyoming for Christmas.
“Even with Gillette’s economy as it is today, these children still need to have a Christmas,” a letter from ABATE of Northeast Wyoming says. “The donations we receive from the community are the key to the success of the Toy Store. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated.”
A nonprofit motorcyclist rights organization, ABATE has sponsored the Toy Store for over 35 years. Working with the Council of Community Services and communities in the region, the Toy Store gives toys to needy children and last year provided toys to over 500 children in all of northeast Wyoming, per the letter.
“Our biggest expense is the cost of purchasing toys that don’t get donated,” the letter says. “We will always take new toys for any age group, but we are in great need for the older kids — ages 10 to 12 and 12 to 18 — as this is our greatest expense and any donation is a generous gift.”
Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 3676, according to Jessica Scott, Toy Store Coordinator. Additionally, monetary donations can be made at Campco Federal Credit Union to the Toy Store Fund.
This year, the Toy Store will be held from Dec. 15 to Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. on each day, the letter states.
Correction (10/10/2023): A previous version of this story incorrectly incorrectly stated where to send direct donations. The donations can be sent to P.O. Box 3676, per Toy Store Coordinator Jessica Scott.
