Colquitt County Children’s Cheer and Toy Shop annual distribution day

MOULTRIE, Ga. – In a tradition instilled in compassion and community spirit, the Colquitt County Children’s Cheer and Toy Shop holds its annual distribution day.

The Colquitt County Children’s Cheer and Toy Shop, an initiative dedicated to distributing new toys for families to use as Christmas gifts, has evolved significantly since its inception in 1988.

Initially, the program operated with humble beginnings, crafting small homemade toys. Today, with steadfast support of the community and collaboration with the Colquitt County School System, the program can ensure that over 1,800 bags of new toys are delivered to families during the holiday season.

“I know how it is at the end of the year trying to provide. So, our job is to make sure they have hope by providing toys,” said Kimberly West, Colquitt County Social Worker.

“It has grown tremendously over the years. It started with one of the churches in our communities and then soon after school, social workers stepped in, took it over, and it’s one of our biggest projects of the year. Now, the school social workers, you are busy non stop, because you never know what the crisis of the day is going to be. But, this brings joy to us. Every month we’re here on a work day that our school allows us to be here in this building and we’re working. We’re packaging the toys. We’re just doing this all year round, helping the community and helping people so that they can have something under the tree on Christmas morning,” said Dr. Lisa Clarke Hill, Colquitt County Social Worker.

Annually orchestrated by the Colquitt County School District social workers, this program receives support from donors, nonprofit organizations, and volunteers spanning south Georgia.

Dr. Lisa Clark Hill, a social worker at Colquitt County High School, discusses the pivotal role volunteers play in this impactful process.

“The volunteers, we could not do this alone. We thank them, we welcome them, and we get donations coming in from all over town, and so we just thank them so much. Our donors, our volunteers are the missing piece of the puzzle, and we need them to have a complete “Merry Christmas” puzzle for everyone to enjoy. It’s all about the children making that special day for them on Christmas morning,” said Dr. Lisa Clarke Hill, Colquitt County Social Worker.

De’Andra Jacobs reporting.

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