Toys Distributed To Area Charities

Santa's sleigh came in all shapes and sizes Wednesday as agencies from across our stretch of the Gulf Coast picked up more than 17,000 toys collected during the News Five Great Toy Drive.

The Salvation Army used many of the toys to make Christmas merry for “angels” not selected from the agency’s Angel Tree programs in Mobile, Pensacola and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Dozens of other charitable organizations and churches also picked up the toys to distribute to families who have contacted them for help.

“Sometimes they’re in tears, especially the single moms,” said Lynn Bainbridge, who runs the Project Care food bank in Baldwin County.

The charities picked up the toys from a Salvation Army distribution warehouse in Mobile.

Project Rebound in south Mobile County hauled off toys for 100 children in Bayou La Batre, Grand Bay, Irvington and surrounding communities.

"After the oil spill a lot of these families are under so much financial difficulties let alone provide Christmas gifts for their children," said Lindsay Lum.

Most of the organizations told News Five the toys will be in the hands of parents by Thursday bringing joy to thousands of children Christmas morning.