REALTOR’S “TOYS FOR KIDS” DRIVE A HUGH SUCCESS

Eureka, Ca…...More than 5,000 Humboldt County children will receive a present this Christmas thanks to the efforts of the “TOYS FOR KIDS” annual toy drive sponsored by the Humboldt Association of REALTORS.  

Tom Hiller, 2008 Humboldt Association of REALTORS President, announced that donations by businesses and

individuals of more than $28,000 made it possible for the local collection and purchase of toys, clothes and

necessities that will be distributed through more than forty organizations in Humboldt County.   Proof that even in a down

market our community gives generously and gives from the heart. 

A few of the organizations benefiting from this year’s toy drive are Changing Tides, North Coast Children’s Services,

Serenity Inn, Angel Tree, Youth Ability, Rio Dell Community Action Forum, Fortuna Volunteer Fire Dept., Humboldt

Recovery Center, McKinleyville Family Collaborative Services, Ferndale Community Chest and Toys for Tots.

In 1993 “Toy for Kids” started out as an office project of Coldwell Banker Cutten Realty.  In the beginning, the idea was to assist the Marine Corps Toys for Tots and Humboldt County Foster Child programs.  The first year 161 toys were collected and distributed.  The program grew steadily from that point and was expanded with a goal to include all needy children in the County.  After seven years and thousands of toys later, Cutten Realty asked the Humboldt Association of REALTORS® to assume sponsorship of the program as they could no longer handle the enormity if it’s growth.   Nine years have since passed and the program continues to grow immensely.  Red and white barrels placed in local businesses have been added to the toy collection process.  Assistance from the United Way of Humboldt and the Humboldt Area Foundation’s Holiday Funding Partnership has also added to the strength of the program.   This year a collection and distribution facility was generously provided by Daniel and Jayne Ollivier.

The Humbodlt Association of REALTORS provides services that enhance the knowledge and resources for real estate professionals and the community they serve.