Toys for Tots and Koats for Kids

With the holidays approaching, the Havre Jaycees are once again trying to help as many people as possible. The annual Toys for Tots and Koats for Kids fundraisers kicked off Saturday and will continue until Dec. 8.

Wes Bentley, treasurer of the Havre Jaycees, said Toys for Tots and Koats for Kids are a way to reach out to the community.

“We put our boxes around town — we gather toys for families who can’t afford Christmas presents for their kids and can’t necessarily afford coats for kids in the winter,” he said.

Bentley said his favorite part of being involved with this group is being able to help those in need.

“We try to find places that the community needs the most help in. Everybody in the Havre Jaycees are volunteers,” Bentley added.

Chelby Gooch, Havre Jaycees president, said that the main goal for Koats for Kids is to give enough coats to the local children in time for the winter months. They need a variety of coat sizes to do this.

“Not only kids, but also adults — because we get adult-sized jackets also,” Gooch added.

Gooch said that toys and coats can be dropped off at Kmart, Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods, Holiday Village Mall and Verizon Wireless. Additionally, coats can be dropped off at Havre Laundry & Dry Cleaning.

Gooch added that Jaycees provide a variety of community services throughout the year.

Emily Vaughn, the Jaycees 2015 president-elect, said that used items are welcome as well.

“We get a lot of used toys. We do clean them and make minor repairs to them,” she said.

Vaughn said her favorite part about being involved with the Jaycees is being able to support the Havre area.

“The Jaycees do a lot for Havre. We keep our ear to the ground — if there’s a family is a need, we have been known to branch out and help,” she said.

The open house for the coats and used toys is scheduled for Dec. 13 at the Human Resources Development Council's Fireside Room. The group is still figuring out the details for this.

Individuals can join the Havre Jaycees if they are between the ages of 18 and 41. The organization also has a junior group that is available for people between the ages of 6 and 17.

For more information on the Jaycee organization visit http://www.mtjaycees.org.