The Bristol Press

December 8, 2013

By BRIAN M. JOHNSON

BRISTOL — Help the United Way of Central Connecticut bring some cheer this Christmas with the Joy of Sharing Toy and Gift Drive Dec. 10 and 11.

For 15 years United Way of Central Connecticut, 200 Main St. has collected thousands of toys and gifts for local children.

“We’ve received 2,300 requests this year and all of them will be filled,” said Emily Barnes, office manager. “We are extremely grateful to our community for the overwhelming support we receive each year. Thank you for helping to make the holidays a bit brighter for our local children.”

The items are divided into categories for children ages 3 to 4, 5 to 7, 8 to 11, 12 to 14 and 14 and older. They are then distributed to the following participating organizations:

The Bristol Boy’s & Girl’s Club & Family Center, Bristol Head Start, Christian Fellowship Center, Community Mental Health Affiliates, Greater Grace Church, Greene Hills Family Resource Center, Imagine Nation Preschool Learning Center, Meals for the Needy at Zion Lutheran Church, Plainville Day Care Center, St. Vincent DePaul, The Salvation Army, South Side School Family Resource Center, West Bristol School Family Resource Center, Wheeler Clinic, and YWCA of New Britain.

For more information, call (860) 582-9559 or visit uwwestcentralct.org or facebook.com/United.Way.West.Central.Connecticut.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at (860) 584-0501, ext 7238 or bjohnson@newbritainherald.com