December 4, 2009

Volunteers at the Fashion Square Mall in Albemarle County collected hundreds of toys and books Friday morning at the 21st annual Toy Lift. The Kids Lift Foundation is serving 3,500 children this year, so they need every donation they can get.

From the sky to the ground, local personalities like Beth Duffy, Jay James, and University of Virginia women's basketball coach Debbie Ryan are doing whatever it takes to get people to come out to the annual Toy Lift.

"It's great. I think especially at this time of year, when times are really tight for everyone, it's great to see people still willing to give," said Diana Williams, of UVa. Student Health.

Donors will spend all day Friday filling the tent at the Fashion Square Mall with all sorts of gifts, from board games to bicycles. They're all working to make this a special Christmas for children in need.

"It's great to be able to help kids when you get a chance, especially those who are less fortunate," said volunteer Lauren Young.

Jason Morris knows all too well about helping children; he's a medic for the UVa. Children's Hospital. Morris spends most of his time transporting sick kids. He volunteered Friday morning to help even more to make a difference.

"It's very important. There's some unfortunate children out that are not able to have the Christmas that others have, and we feel that coming out here giving a hand and getting volunteers to bring some toys helps out everyone," said Morris.

Whether you're dropping off toys, books, or money, organizers want everyone in the community to know that each gift will help make Christmas merrier for hundreds of local children.