noffen@heraldsun.com; 419-6646
DURHAM -- The word went out -- and the community responded.
The Durham Rescue Mission, which had been 1,000 toys short of its goal of collecting 7,000 gifts for needy children in the community, was overwhelmed with generosity Tuesday.
Following a front-page article in Tuesday's Herald-Sun that detailed the shortfall, community members brought in thousands of toys.
"We've had a traffic jam over on East Main Street with so many people coming over to drop off toys," said mission Co-Founder Gail Mills. "The phones have been ringing off the hook all day. I am overwhelmed, I really am. It brings me to tears to think of the generous response."
By midafternoon Tuesday, about 2,500 toys had been dropped off at the mission's headquarters on East Main Street. "We were hoping to get that extra thousand we needed, but this is so much greater," Mills said. "We are in really good shape for the party."
The mission will give the toys out today, as part of its traditional Christmas party for the needy. Around 3,000 guests are expected and the party will offer hot turkey meals and carnival games -- and, for the kids, at least two toys each.
And now there also should be enough toys left over to give some more out on Thursday, Christmas Eve, to homeless children who are living at the mission.
The late rush of toys, Mills surmised, had come about because members of the community finally had been informed of the mission's need.
"I think before, they just weren't aware," she said. "We live in a wonderful community, and everybody has a heart for children. When people know there's a need, they respond. The challenge is just getting that word out. Thanks to The Herald-Sun for doing that."
The meals and carnival will start at noon Wednesday, with the toys given out right after. Anyone who wants to attend the party can come. The mission is at 1201 E. Main St.
