Eagles annual toy drive underway in Havre

The Havre Eagles are again collecting some gifts to make the holidays a little more merry for some local children.

Eagles Auxiliary President Candace Dess said they are accepting gifts to distribute to children in their annual Eagles Toy Drive, and will be out in a couple of weeks talking to businesses to see if they are interested in donating as well.

The Toy Drive accepts donations of new, unwrapped gifts for children in need between the ages of 1 and 14.

This year, they will be collecting hats and gloves for the children as well, she said.

“We’re really excited about the toy drive,” she said. “It helps so many kids in our community and it’s a really good way to give back, and it’s getting more successful every year.”

She said she also is working with The Salvation Army, which is holding its annual Angel Tree and also helping with the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Havre toy drive, to make sure they don’t duplicate families.

“The more families we can help, the better,” Dess said.

See more about the Toys for Tots drive in Friday’s paper.

Dess said donation boxes for the Ealges Toy Drive will be set up at Walmart, North 40, Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods, Ben Franklin Crafts, Hill County Printing and the Eagles Club Nov. 22.

The toys will be distributed to children on the week of Christmas, and monetary donations will go toward getting more gifts for the older children, who often don’t see as many donated toys aimed at their age group, as well as household necessities and food boxes for the families.

Dess said the club is also reaching out to community members and local businesses to adopt families this year and they can call 406-262-0498 to sign up.

She said the last two years of the toy drive have been very successful, even with the COVID-19, which required gift recipients to make appointments to pick up their donations.

She said given the fact that the pandemic is still ongoing they will likely do something similar this year.