Christmas Day Celebration toy drive now under way; donations & volunteers needed
Dr. Piper Center initiative now in its 108th year
A tradition that is now going into its 108th year is seeking the community’s support in purchasing new toys for the Christmas Day Celebration, as well as elves and volunteers to help make the special event a success.
The Dr. Piper Center Chief Executive Officer Melissa Bonner said the Christmas Day Celebration event began by Dr. Ella Mae Piper’s mother, Sarah Williams, in 1915, at Dr. Piper’s home. They gave out gifts and had a prepared meal for kids and their families in the Dunbar community.
What began with helping 15 little girls has now grown to helping more than 400 children on Christmas morning.
Children, on a first-come, first-serve basis, are given the opportunity to pick out their own toys Christmas morning at the Dr. Piper Center.
“Anyone can come to our event on Christmas morning,” Bonner said. “It’s not just the Dunbar community. It has expanded beyond this community. It really opened to anyone who needs it.”
The need remains, especially with families still struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Ian.
When Williams passed away, and then Dr. Piper, the community carried on the event.
“We took over in the ’70s and carried it on. It has gone on uninterrupted since 1915,” Bonner said. “It really is a tradition in the community. People really look forward to it.”
COVID was their biggest obstacle as the event had to be moved outdoors to overcome social distancing.
“Last year it was really cold. Again, we still had a good turnout with 300 kids last year,” she said, adding that whatever obstacle is thrown their way there is always a plan put into place, so there is no break in the Christmas Day Celebration.
The event has attracted many generations, as some are now bringing their grandchildren.
“It’s an event that the entire community wraps their hands around,” Bonner said.
That support comes in many forms — the community donating new toys and bikes for the children, to giving their time to help before the event, and the day of the event.
Elves are sought from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Dr. Piper Center, 2607 Dr. Ella Piper Way, in Fort Myers, to help assemble bikes and sort through toys. Those who wish to help are asked to RSVP to Irvine Bourdeau at Irvine@DrPiperCenter.org.
Those interested in volunteering can also call (239) 332-5346.
Bonner said last year they had between 85 to 90 volunteers who were in attendance Christmas morning helping — either assisting with registration, manning the toy table, taking care of the bike raffle and escorting children into the room of toys.
“We have people who have been volunteering for 50 years or longer,” she said. “This is their Christmas tradition. Some of them bring their children and have their entire family here. A lot of people who collect toys and donate also come and volunteer on Christmas morning.”
Bonner said that special moment is when volunteers see the excitement of the children when they pick a gift they may have donated.
“They see the impact of their donation,” she said.
To make the Christmas Day Celebration a success, The Dr. Piper Center is asking for the community’s assistance in collecting new toys.
“An agency or business can offer to be a toy collection site to promote to clients and employees. We would bring the collection box to their office,” Bonner said.
Individuals can also personally donate new toys to the cause.
The collection of toys has begun and will continue until a week before Christmas.
“We have children from newborn to age 16 who come to the event; boys and girls,” she said. “They don’t have to wrap the toys. All the toys will be displayed, so they can pick out what they want.”
Another portion of the Christmas Day Celebration is a bike raffle, as they do not receive enough bikes to give to every child who attends the event.
“Last year we had about 170 bikes. We usually have about 300 to 350 children,” Bonner said.
The hope is to have enough bikes, so every child receives one this Christmas, as children do not understand the concept of a raffle and are sad when they leave without a bike.
The Dr. Piper Center also has an Amazon list available on their website, www.drpipercenter.org, for those who wish to donate something, but is unsure of what to purchase.
The items will be shipped directly to their office.
Dr. Piper Center for Social Services, Inc. Development Director Irvine Bourdeau said they also provide the kids with a snack bag as they begin lining up at 6 a.m. Christmas morning.
The doors open at 8 a.m. and kids are provided toys on a first come, first serve basis. Food has been donated for the past two years.
The 2023 Christmas Celebration sponsorships are also available and range anywhere from the title sponsorship of $10,000 to a Christmas sponsor of $1,000. Those interested can email irvine@drpipercenter.org, or call (239) 332-5346 ext. 400 for more information.
The funds raised will support the event, purchase anything they need to make it a success, as well as support the center’s programs, which works with frail homebound seniors and at-risk children.
To reach MEGHAN BRADBURY, please email news@breezenewspapers.com