A successful run for Karidat, SHRM’s ‘Toys for Tots’ drive

Karidat Social Services and the NMI Chapter for the Society for Human Resource Management ended Wednesday this year’s “Toys for Tots” collection drive, amassing enough toys to bring a bundle of cheer to less fortunate children on Christmas Day.

It was the first time for the two organizations to team up for the campaign, which ran from Dec. 7 to 21. The toys are set to be distributed to beneficiaries today in time for Christmas Day on Sunday.

Despite a slow start, the toy drive picked up over the weekend, with employees from private companies receiving their wages in time for holiday shopping.

SHRM-NMI Chapter president Polly DLG Masga, who brought the toys to the Karidat office in Chalan Kanoa on Wednesday, said the toy drive went “really well” given the two-week time limit.

“I’m just elated that even with the tough economic times, people were able to donate to the cause, helping the less fortunate who can’t afford to buy toys for their children this Christmas,” Masga told Saipan Tribune.

According to Masga, having several dropoff locations was an advantage, with all sites receiving toys. The location with the most number of toys received was at Pacific Islands Club.

She is pleased that a number of SHRM members, businesses, and organizations took part. Individuals, some of whom wanted to remain anonymous, also stopped by to drop off unwrapped toys.

Karidat executive director Angie V. Guerrero reiterated that it will be up to the parents to wrap the toys for their children to give them a sense of responsibility.

Guerrero disclosed that Tinian is also asking for any spare toys for their children. She said they plan to give extra toys to them, provided that they find a way to ship them. Tinian’s Frances Diaz, she added, is now working on getting the Tinian delegation to pay for the shipping cost.

“We thank everyone to all those who contributed toys for the Toys for Tots. Thank you for spreading Christmas cheers to the less fortunate. It’s overwhelming to know that people are still willing to assist in this difficult time,” Masga said.

“Christmas is a time for sharing,” said Guerrero. “The toy drive efforts are a reflection that there is hope in this world that we live in and that there are still good people around.”