Toy shortage at City Mission

Posted By: Jenn Schanz
jschanz@klkntv.com

Last Christmas, Bryan Lockman celebrated the holidays in his home, with his family.

But after losing his job, and then his house, Christmas this year will be different.

“It’s a lot easier when you have your own place, a home of your own,” he says.

Now, Lockman is one of hundreds in Lincoln who rely on the People’s City Mission.

Still, this Christmas, his 3–year–old little girl Olivia, will have something under the tree thanks to the Mission’s Adopt–A–Family program.

It allows people to buy gifts for entire families during the holidays.

“We were able to go down and get presents for the kids and make sure the kids all have what they need. You know if it wasn’t for them, where would it come from, you know? Then they wouldn’t have anything,” Lockman says. 

But the Mission says only about half the families they help get adopted. The rest rely on extra donations to make Christmas special.

Pastor Tom Barber, who runs the Mission, says unlike previous years, kids’ toys are in short supply.

“We’ve never had an issue with toys. This year for some reason, we’ve had less toys come in. Especially for older kids, kids that are 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,” Barber says. 

The toys benefit not only children at the Mission, but also those who visit the Homeless Prevention Center.

Barber says they’re in need of toys for girls or boys ages 8 to 13. They can come unwrapped, or wrapped, just as long as they’re labeled.

Anything from books to dolls, winter coats, or blankets, will help make their Christmas, a little more merry.

If you’re interested in helping, click here for more information: http://www.peoplescitymission.org/index.php/about