HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Christmas is around the corner, and now more than ever kids in need could use some holiday cheer.
Members of the 'Huntsville Margarita Society' have stepped up to host their first-ever toy drive this year because of the pandemic.
"Back when you were a kid, what was the greatest thing? [It] Was receiving toys at Christmas," says Huntsville Margarita Society Director, Michael Spaulding.
This year would've marked 25 years the 'Huntsville Margarita Society' hosts the annual ball to benefit kids this Christmas.
Like for many, the pandemic changed their plans. "The event itself used to be on cruise control. That ball had been going great for so many years," says Spaulding.
So now, members are bringing the ball to you at a few locations to collect toys. The group set the record of collecting about 5,000 toys last year.
However, their goal this year is about 3,500 toys. They're now at about 1,500. These toys are going to several charities in North Alabama.
"This year is 22 different charities. You can just see them welling up because they know where they're going," says Huntsville Margarita Society Director, Kevin Beebe.
Gifts are accepted for children at all ages. "Our different charities that have different needs. Some are infants up to teenagers," says Beebe.
The group also really needs age appropriate gifts for kids twelve and up. "So we look for the forty, fifty dollar range which matches up with that older group," added Beebe.
The Huntsville Margarita Society is accepting cash and check donations. You can also donate via PayPal.
Organizers say some charities completely rely on the Huntsville Margarita Society for donations. "If we don't do this, there's going to be a bunch of kids out there without a smile on their face on Christmas morning. And that personally is what keeps me doing this," Beebe added.
The group will host another toy drive at Rosie's Cantina on South Memorial Parkway next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
"It's really an amazing thing to see going on right now, and whatever help we can get we will gladly accept," says Beebe.
Members plan to distribute toys on November 21st. For more information, click here.