The G.T.O. Makes A Difference
Basically what we do is collect money throughout the year and purchase toys for all ages and personalities. We collect this money by working various numbers of odd jobs such as babysitting, recycling, household chores, and washing cars. When Allie was 13, she started working for her grandfather's business, Nelson's Motorcycle Training Center. She worked every weekend for three years, and most of the money she made went to the G.T.O. Erin got a job in 2007 working at the bowling alley and she donates a lot of her hard earn cash as well!
Delivery Day
In November, we add up all the money that has been made throughout the year and start getting ready to head to the stores! Every last cent that is made is spent on toys for all ages and personalities. We have to make sure that the toys we purchase are usable in hospital beds or are brand new to be safe from the germs of the public. The more money we make that year, the more toys we are able to purchase, and, of course, the more children with smiles on their faces.
Each week the C.H.L.A. hands out approximately 500 toys to the kids. After a major surgery or a birthday, a little toy will always make a kid smile.
Most parents and other family members are paying for all the medical bills to help their child get well and to cured. That can get extremely expensive and the parents do not have the money to just go to the store and buy their child a gift for their birthday or Christmas. This is where the G.T.O. steps in. We deliver the toys near the end of November so the hospital can have the toys in time for Christmas.