Local Toy Drive Planned For People In Recovery From Substance Use

GREENDALE, WI — The Greendale Public Celebrations Committee has partnered with the Hales Corners Library and Community Alliance to host a toy and gift drive that benefits people and families affected by substance use disorders, according to a Community Alliance news release.

The toys and gifts will benefit families and clients served by Community Medical Services, an organization with locations in Wisconsin that seeks to help people suffering from substance use disorders. CMS is a member organization of the Community Alliance Coalition.

According to its mission on its website, CMS seeks to help people heal in an environment free of judgment and condescension and full of dignity and respect.

People in recovery don't always have the financial ability to give gifts during the holiday season, so the toy drive seeks to create an opportunity for CMS clients to give their families gifts, the news release said.

"Recovery is a daily struggle for many of our patients and the holidays have proven to be exceptionally taxing on their daily lives," said CMS Community Programs and Integration Manager Amanda Rodriguez. "The gratitude they feel being provided with a gift to give their children a magical Christmas morning cannot be put into words. We cannot thank the community enough for the love they are showing for a highly stigmatized population."

Several locations in Greendale and Hales Corners will be open for people to donate toys or gift cards. The news release said the suggested donation is a gift for someone aged 0-18 that has a $10-$20 value or gift cards to popular stores or restaurants with a maximum value of $20.

Here's where you can donate:

Dickens of a Village

The Greendale Public Celebrations Committee will have a donation drop-off booth at the Dickens of a Village event in downtown Greendale on Friday.

Historic Greendale Welcome Center

Donations will be accepted at the Greendale Welcome Center located at 5680 Broad Street now until Sunday.

Hales Corners Tree Lighting

The Hales Corners Library, 5885 South 116th Street, will have a donation drop-off on Saturday at the Tree Lighting. The event is scheduled to start at 6 p.m.

"We wanted to do something to help people in our area during the ongoing pandemic," said Madeline Kornbeck, Community Alliance Coalition Coordinator. "It means so much to do something that not only gives back, but also helps reduce stigma by involving our community in a project that helps support individuals in recovery, and their family."