For the Children’s Charity of Greater Binghamton, the need has never been greater. Organizers say donating even one toy during the holiday season can go a long way.
“Last year, we thought the need was the greatest it’s ever been, and it’s even more this year,” said Katie Carpenter, Children’s Charity of Greater Binghamton vice president.
As Carpenter unloaded toy donations into a U-Haul, she said they’ll make a big difference. She’s seen firsthand how the need has continued to grow over the years.
What You Need To Know
- According to the Children’s Charity of Greater Binghamton, this year’s need is higher than ever
- Gas was dropped by $.25 to encourage more donations
- Mirabito has hosted the event for nearly 10 years
With the annual Give Back Friday event, Black Friday shoppers are encouraged to make a toy donation, to give a child a special holiday season.
For parents like David Starr of Binghamton, charities like these are great teaching moments for children, especially during a time like Black Friday.
“Just trying to instill values with him with the importance of sharing and donating, and it’s been a rough two years, so we want to give as much as we can,” Starr said.
Every year, the Children’s Charity partners with the Mirabito gas station across the parkway from many Black Friday shopping locations. For a bit of an incentive to donate, gas was dropped by 25 cents, and volunteers even pumped it for customers.
“We’ve seen a lot of people coming just to get that gas sale. We knew that that would be a huge incentive, and we’re just really grateful to Mirabito for being able to decrease the price that much because we know that everyone’s having a difficult time right now,” said Carpenter.
In providing monetary donations or toys they just purchased, families said this was the true meaning of the holiday season.
“Even with the hustle and bustle, even when it slows down, even when it slows down, it’s good to remember to give back and like I said, just instill the values in our younger generation, too,” said Starr.
Each donated toy will now be districted to the local Toys for Tots chapter, which supports thousands of children across Broome County.
