By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

The Cazenovia Fire Department will host a toy drive for CazCares food pantry and clothing closet on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon.

Community members are encouraged to stop by the fire station to drop off new, unwrapped gifts for a child ages 12 and under.

Suggested toy donations include cars and trucks, dolls, building sets (Lego and Duplo), craft sets, family board games, and movies.

New pajamas, winter hats and mittens of all sizes are also appreciated.

Fire Captain Michael Wood has been organizing and running the annual toy drive for several years.

“Growing up we never really had Christmas,” Wood said. “We never even put a Christmas tree up because there was nothing to put under it. Then I met my wife and she pulled me up by my boot strings . . . We moved to Caz and I decided that if I could help at least one kid to not have to deal with what I went through, [it would be worth it].”

Each December, CazCares offers a Christmas gift giveaway for its clients. Families in need are asked to sign up to pick out gifts for the children in their households.

“This year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic impacts, CazCares is acutely aware of the expanded needs of our clients, especially around the holidays,” said Erin Kelly, coordinator of the giveaway. “Community organizations such as Community Bank, Cazenovia Fire Department, and the Chamber of Commerce have been instrumental in helping CazCares make this a happy holiday season for clients by hosting toy drives and giving trees. Community members who are still interested in making a donation can look for a local giving tree, bring a gift to the toy drive, or contact CazCares for information about specific needs that can be met.”

“Giving trees” positioned at 13 participating retailers throughout the Cazenovia business district feature ornaments labeled with gift requests from children of all ages.

Through Dec. 6, customers are encouraged to select an ornament, purchase the listed item, and drop it off at Community Bank or AmeriCU Credit Union.

All donated items will be delivered to CazCares for distribution.

Gift tags are available at Community Bank, AmeriCU Credit Union, the GCACC, 20|EAST, the Brae Loch Inn, Cazenovia Abroad, Cazenovia Jewelry, the Cazenovia Public Library, J.D. Hunter Home, Lillie Bean, the Lincklaen House, Miori Martial Arts, and The Brewster Inn.

CazCares serves low-income residents of the Cazenovia School District and surrounding areas of Madison County.

The organization also offers information and referral services to help clients address a variety of needs. Each month, over 200 clients visit CazCares to receive food and clothing and attend educational programs. CazCares relies on community support in order to operate.

Volunteers work to fill food orders, stock pantry shelves and sort clothing. The organization receives donations of money, food and clothing from area churches, student and civic groups, and individuals.

For more information on CazCares, visit cazcares.org.

Questions about holiday donations should be directed to CazCares at 315-655-3174 or [email protected].