St. Vincent de Paul asks public for more toys to meet demand for Christmas giveaway

Last year, St. Vincent de Paul handed out toys to nearly 1,400 children from Southwestern Idaho during the Christmas holiday season.

This year, the need is expected to be even greater. The Catholic volunteer organization initially anticipated providing toys to more than 2,000 kids over the next month, but the tally could go even higher.

“It now looks like we could double last year’s numbers,” said Ralph May, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul’s Southwest Idaho chapter.

The surge is due to greater need and greater awareness of the program, May said.

Because of the increased demand, more toys are needed for children ages 12 to 18, April Neale, a St. Vincent’s spokeswoman, said in a news release.

They can be dropped off at St. Vincent de Paul stores in Boise, Meridian, Caldwell and Mountain Home. Donors will receive a coupon for 25 percent off thrift-store purchases.

Toys have also been donated by area churches, service organizations and businesses.

Parents of children up to age 18 can obtain vouchers that allow them to come to the St. Vincent de Paul toy store at 2110 S. Broadway Ave. in Boise and pick up gifts for their children. They are able to choose one toy and a couple of stocking stuffers per child, plus a new hat and a pair of gloves.

The process to obtain a voucher is simple and doesn’t involve questions about whether applicants really need the help, May said.

“Hopefully, if we’re doing it right, everyone gets to leave with their dignity and their sensibilities intact,” he said.

Toys are also available through the voucher program at St. Vincent’s Mountain Home thrift store at 250 E. 5th N. St. and the Caldwell thrift store at 3719 E. Cleveland Blvd. St. Vincent’s is looking for volunteers to help staff those stores, May said.

Toys can be picked up at all three locations from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, through Saturday, Dec. 22.

Vouchers can be obtained by calling (208) 331-2208. Canyon County residents should call (208) 559-2294.

The Southwest Idaho chapter of St. Vincent de Paul primarily works to fight homelessness and hunger and helps newly released prisoners re-enter society. It operates seven thrift stores in Southwestern Idaho.

About 90 volunteers helped with the Christmas toy program last year. May said he is looking for 125 people this year.

This story was originally published November 28, 2018 at 11:47 AM.