The Society of Samaritans (SOS) has opened its doors once again to families in need of food and toys within the Magnolia ISD area. They are in need of more donations to fulfill Christmas to those who have registered for assistance.

Last year, SOS provided 567 families with Christmas dinner and 1,399 children with toys through donations the charity received.

This year, as registration nears closing, SOS Special Projects Coordinator Lynette Gibbons said the number of those signed up for assistance is anticipated to surpass 500 once again.

As of press time last week, the organization had 360 local families, in addition to families who were victims of the Tri-County Fire, signed up to receive toys and Christmas dinners, according to Gibbons. So far, SOS does not have enough toy donations for all of the families.

“We have 360 families, plus the fire victim families, for a total of 911 children so far, with about enough toys for 50 kids,” Gibbons said.

Gibbons said the organization is lacking gifts for all age groups, especially ages 10 to 18.

“We are in need of toys, bikes and teenager gifts,” she said.

Each year, the organization receives donations from Toys for Tots, as well as churches and community members. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints donated 700 stockings. Gibbons said SOS is also in need of smaller gifts and candy to go inside the stockings.

The SOS North Pole toy shop is located at 38207 FM 1774 and is open to accept donations Monday through Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. until the Christmas delivery date of Dec. 19.

Donated toys must be new and unwrapped and can be dropped off at the SOS North Pole.

“We encourage folks to visit the toy shop, take a tour and see the need they may be interested in filling this year,” Gibbons said.

For those wanting to volunteer at the toy shop, sponsor a family or host their own toy drive, visit www.sosnorthpole.com.

For those registered, Christmas deliveries will be on Dec. 19 and 20 at 10 a.m. Volunteers will arrive at the Montgomery County Community Development Center on Friendship Drive to pick up the baskets and have their routes assigned

For those still needing assistance, the last Christmas registration will be Dec.12 and 14 from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. at the SOS North Pole.

“Our special projects would not be possible without the help and support from our great
community,” SOS stated.

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