Toy and winter clothing drive nets record number of donated items

During the holiday season, CAMP Rehoboth partnered with the Rehoboth Beach Bears and the Kiwanis Club of Coastal Delaware to host a community toy and winter clothing drive. With more than 1,200 items collected, this year’s drive set a record for donations.

Community member Paul Christensen kick-started the drive in 2008, and it’s grown to bring cheer to hundreds of local families and organizations in need. The CAMP Rehoboth Outreach Program organized donations to this year’s beneficiaries, including the Boys & Girls Club of Rehoboth Beach, Community Resource Center, La Esperanza, Orgullo Delaware and West Side New Beginnings. Several local businesses served as daily drop-off locations.

“Our community showed up for each other, sharing the profound gift of joy this holiday season for our neighbors. Thank you to everyone who donated, and to our partners for making this drive such a resounding success,” said Kim Leisey, CAMP Rehoboth executive director.

The effort netted more than 600 toys, multiple bicycles, and numerous winter clothing items like coats, hats, gloves and heavy socks, with hundreds of individuals benefitting from the community’s generosity.