To ensure that that scene plays out in as many Oswego County homes as possible, the Oswego County Children's Fund has begun their annual drive to collect toys for less fortunate children in Oswego County.

    Established last year through collaboration with Catholic Charities of Oswego County, the Department of Social Services (DSS), and United Way of Oswego County, the Oswego County Children's Fund provided more than 800 families with children's toys for Christmas.

     "We are excited to be a part of this collaboration," said Helen Hoefer, supervisor of Catholic Charities Community Services. "The combination our efforts, that of DSS, and the assistance of United Way, will help to make this year's Children's Fund the best ever."

     Committee member Deanne Myers of DSS added that while the agencies and the committee members are the driving force behind the success of the Children's Fund, it is the many community volunteers that make the distribution possible. "We are very appreciative of our volunteers. Many return each year and graciously donate their time to ensure that the distribution goes well. They make it possible for us to keep this annual tradition alive," Myers said.

     As in the past, Hoefer said Catholic Charities would gladly pickup donations from businesses, organizations, or church groups that would like to make Christmas a little more enjoyable for children in need. Monetary donations are also being accepted for the purchase of toys. The toys will be distributed through the Children's Fund Dec. 14 and 15 at Oswego County DSS, 100 Spring St., in Mexico. Families receiving toys will be contacted with a specific date and time when they can choose their toys.

     Families interested in requesting toys for their children may do so by visiting Catholic Charities of Oswego, 365 W. First St., in Fulton; Oswego County DSS, 100 Spring St., in Mexico; or by contacting Carol Lee at Oswego County DSS, 315-963-5426. Deadline for toy applications is Nov. 22, any requests received after that date will be placed on a waiting list.

     Families in need of food assistance for Christmas should contact Hoefer at Catholic Charities
of Oswego County, 315-598-3980. Food baskets will be distributed the week of Dec. 16.

     For more information on donating toys, non-perishable food items or to make a monetary donation, contact Hoefer at 315-598-3980 or Lee at 315-963-5426. Monetary donations may be mailed to The Oswego County Children's Fund, attn: Pam Austin, 100 Spring St., P.O. Box 1320, Mexico, NY 13114.