SEQUIM — It is a group mainly known for helping the Sequim-Dungeness Valley poor with rent and power bills during the unforgiving winter months, but when the season of giving rolls around, Sequim Community Aid collects toys for needy children.

It is that time of year once again.

“Without the community, we couldn’t do it,” said Donna Tidrick, community aid president. “We just couldn’t do it.”

Toys for Sequim Kids collects new toys, games, children’s books and sports equipment for babies to eighth-graders.

Collections are under way now.

June Robinson bears

Tidrick said toys already collected this year include five bags of Teddy Bears formerly owned by the late June Robinson, a well-known Sequim volunteer, historian and former School Board members.

A batch of Beanie Babies from another collector was also donated.

Donations can be taken to the Clallam County Fire District No. 3 fire station at 323 N. Fifth Ave. in Sequim through Dec. 15.

The station is open for donations from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays.

‘Wonderful program’

“It’s a wonderful program,” said Jim Davis, a Sequim resident and community aid volunteer who collects donations from the fire station and puts them in storage until the Dec. 16 distribution day at Trinity United Methodist Church, 100 S. Blake Ave.

Tidrick said the Toys for Sequim Kids program started in 1947 in Sequim and originally came with a food basket.

When Tidrick joined Sequim Community Aid in 1983, the group decided to leave food distribution to the food bank but continue with the toys program.

“We keep lights and heat and cooking facilities going so they can cook what they get from the food bank,” Tidrick said.

Last Christmas season, 425 children received toys, she said, and in the past, up to 450 children have been given toys.

To qualify, a needy family must show identification at the church on distribution day, such as a driver’s license, that shows they live in the Sequim School District.

Blanket drive

Another program under the auspices of Sequim Community Aid is a blanket drive for needy families.

That effort is being organized by the Sequim Association of Realtors.

Blankets will be collected at Blue Sky Real Estate, 190 Priest Road in Sequim.

The blankets will be distributed Dec. 16 at Trinity United Methodist Church.

For more information or to donate, phone Tidrick at 360-683-8739.

________

Sequim-Dungeness Valley Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-681-2391 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.