The town of Maplesville will be taking applications for its annual Toys For Kids drive until Nov. 30.

Former mayor of Maplesville George Smith started the drive years ago to help lower income families facing hardship.

Applications are collected through November, and late applications are accepted but will be considered depending on how much money is collected.

After the deadline, applications are then verified and 15-20 volunteers go out and shop for toys for children up to 15 years of age.

“Last year, we gave toys to 85 families, which is a total of 199 children,” said Sheila Haigler, town clerk. “We spent $12,000, plus donations of new clothes and new toys, in helping the 199 children.”

Most families come from Maplesville, but the drive also helps families in Isabella, Plantersville, Randolph, Stanton and Lawley.
The drive is funded each year by items and money donated by individuals and companies.

This year, the Maplesville Baptist Church youth group went out in the community and collected $857.11 for the drive during a roadblock.

“We’ve had a lot of applications so far, but not as many as last year,” Haigler said.

The toys will be distributed around Wednesday Dec. 22. For more information, contact Haigler by phone at 334-366-4211.