Last week Toys for Tots volunteers gathered as more than 100 area families came to pick up their Christmas gifts at the local armory.

It is nice to see the community working together to give back to those in need, and especially nice to see high school students volunteering with the organization.

Oxford High School student Harrison Davis was among those volunteers. He is also a Marine Corps JROTC member and was joined by several other cadets while unloading toys that would later be distributed to Lafayette County families.

We commend Davis and all the Toys for Tots volunteers for their service this Christmas. We also commend Gene Hays and the local armory for serving as a distribution site. Because of volunteers’ hard work and service hours, more families in Lafayette County will celebrate and create lasting memories this Christmas.

Each family received eight toys and some stocking stuffers for every child in their family.

Residents previously had to drive to Batesville to pick up donated gifts, which wasn’t easy on their pocketbooks with the cost of gas. So, having the armory was beneficial.

There are many families that qualified and took advantage of the program, but there are also those you as an individual know might be struggling, whatever their income or status. Consider being an angel for them and assisting in whatever way you can. It could be getting them a present for their child, driving them to town to run errands or even lending a helping hand around the house.

“It’s good to help people during Christmas,” Davis said. “It’s the time of year when people should help others and give what they can.”

We at the EAGLE agree with Davis. If you weren’t able to get involved with Toys for Tots this year, we hope you will consider getting involved in 2016 or trying something else this week to help someone in need. 

There are less than a handful of days left before Christmas hits. It’s not too late to see what you can do to help someone. With your help, we can ensure every family in the Lafayette-Oxford-University community is able to experience the Christmas season.