The holiday season is almost upon us, and Lucas County Children Services (LCCS) is once again asking area residents to “Give the Gift of Joy” this holiday season!

The agency is kicking off its annual Holiday Gift Drive, which is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lucas County Children Services (FLCCS), WTOL-TV 11, iHeartMedia, and several community partners. The community-based campaign is expected to provide gifts to as many as 2,000 children who are victims of abuse and neglect. Gift collection begins November 18, and runs through December 22, 2021.

The drive provides gifts for children living in foster care, with relatives or with their families under LCCS supervision. “The pandemic has had a huge impact on children and families,” says Robin Reese, LCCS executive director. “The ‘normalcy’ of having gifts to open at the holiday season will be more important than ever, and is consistent with our mission of leading the community in the protection of children.”

The drive provides gifts for children from birth to age 18. While we are seeking gifts for all age groups, the agency particularly needs gifts for children of all ethnic groups who are newborn to 3 years old, and gift cards for teenagers.

Several generous community partners are again stepping up to support the gift drive. Key sponsors include PNC Bank; Bennett Management Corp., a franchisee of BURGER KING Corporation®; La-Z-Boy; and Yark Automotive Group. Other partners include Allshred Services; Barnes & Noble Toledo; DANA Corporation; Franklin Park Mall; Toledo Auto Care; Owens Corning, and Woodcraft.