Zonta Club Stays Busy During Holiday Season

L to R: Judy Turpin, Vickie Bond, Darlene Lopez, Brawnwyn Miller and Kathy La Cost

Members of the Zonta Club of Prowers County recently donated several bags of new toys to Darlene Lopez, Director of the annual Toys for Tots drive in Prowers County.  Vickie Bond of Zonta said a ‘progressive’ holiday dinner was held for the group’s annual Christmas party.  “Instead of gift or trading ornaments, we decided each member would bring a toy which would be donated to Toys for Tots.”

Several members delivered the toys to the Lincoln School on North 10^th Street last week, this year’s Toys for Tots headquarters.  Judy Turpin said Zonta members will also make a contribution to the Domestic Safety Resource Center once the proceeds have been compiled from the group’s annual Holiday Home Tour throughout Lamar on December 7^th.  “We had a great showing and we’d like to thank those residents who opened their doors to the community,” she added.  There were:  Rick and Virginia Robbins, Dr. George Kunhardt and Susan Lamont, Mayjoy George and Ashley Mayjoy, Ruben and Oralia Carrillo and Bo and Emily Clark.

Darlene Lopez said the toys will be put into a sorting pile for age and gender appropriate kids.  She added that a hot meal will also be provided this year, as the practice had fallen off in past times.  “We have had Amber and Jason Herrera volunteer to organize and cook the meal for us, and that will really be appreciated for those residents who wouldn’t ordinarily get to enjoy a holiday meal,” she explained.  Lopez is still looking for drivers and other volunteers to help distribute the packages and the meals on December 24.  Volunteers are also needed for Saturday, December 20, at 1pm to help with sacking the toys.  The collection boxes will be removed from all stores on Wednesday, the 17th, so any subsequent toy donations should be made directly at Lincoln School.  Call 688-0167 for information.

By Russ Baldwin