The Circle of Love Foundation, in partnership with parent company Real Source Title Insurance and Real Estate Closings, is kicking off their 15th Annual Christmas Toy Drive on November 8!
Since childhood, organization founder Doris Phillips knew she wanted to give back to her community. Knowing firsthand how heartbreaking it was to see her peers go without during the holidays, she started the Circle of Love Foundation with those children in mind.
“No child should ever go without at Christmas,” Phillips says. “Our goal is to let children in shelters across Alabama know that Santa will always find them, no matter where their home is.”
This year, the Foundation’s annual Christmas Toy Drive will support 5 Birmingham, Alabama shelters to sponsor 500 children in need. So far, more than three dozen local business and individuals have signed on to sponsor a Donations box in hopes of collecting 2500 new, unwrapped toys and gifts this holiday season.
“Each year we spend hours handmaking big, ornate bows and perfectly wrapping collections boxes that businesses will be proud to have in their places of work,” Phillips said. “Each box comes with a list of suggested items for children of all ages, from three-years-old into their teens.”
To participate in the drive, individuals can drop off donations at RealSource’s corporate offices – located in the Southlake Plaza off Valleydale Road in Hoover – weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Businesses interested in sponsoring a Toy Drive donations box can contact us at “donations@thecircleoflove.org” for more information.
All boxes and donations Boxes should be delivered to RealSource by December 10, or box sponsors can arrange to have their donations picked by a Circle of Love volunteer. Donations will then be sorted by age group, gender and category.
Collected items will be delivered to children at First Light, Grace House, Lovelady Center, Olivia’s House and Jessie’s Place a few days before Christmas. On average, Christmas toy drive contributions allow each child to receive six gifts.
“If the Circle of Love, and our donors and volunteers, can provide hope, happiness and a positive Christmas experience in the midst of these children’s otherwise uncertain lives, then our goal is accomplished,” said Phillips.”
