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That old toy can bring new joy

By ANDREW SKERRITT
Published October 14, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Zach Boyden-Holmes | Times] Heidi Whitney stands with her son, Mitchell, and husband, Greg, outside Holiday Community Fellowship Church.

Heidi and Greg Whitney were sweethearts at River Ridge High School in New Port Richey. They learned quickly that things don't always go as planned with young love.

Heidi missed her senior prom because she was pregnant with their first son. Money was tight, especially around the Christmas holidays.

"We needed help," she said. "We weren't on government assistance, but we couldn't get help. I know people out there in the same boat I was in."

The Whitneys now have three sons, Mitchell, 4, Michael, 9, and Matthew, 11. Christmas is a very big deal at their house.

Heidi hasn't forgotten the tough times. So the 28-year-old stay-at-home mom from Holiday started West Pasco Santas Helpers. She and longtime friend Rachel Gebo are collecting new and used toys to bring Christmas cheer to children who might not be eligible for other toy giveaways from traditional donors like Toys for Tots.

"I've never been capable and I've never had the time," she said. "Now I am able and have the time. I want to do this."

Whitney wants you to take a look at those toys that may still be in the wrapper from last year or have barely been touched since last Christmas. They could bring joy to a child, so Whitney wants them.

Whitney got the idea in June and has been running this charity out of her garage. She noticed that it's harder to come by used toys than it is to get people to go out and buy new toys.

"I'm trying to get people to understand that's there is a use for used toys," said Whitney, who is also director of the children's ministry at Holiday Community Fellowship Church.

Thus far, about 17 kids have signed up for presents. Somebody donated a $50 check. A Hudson resident dropped off a garbage bag full of brand-new toys. The list includes children as old as 13, but Whitney doesn't want to exclude older teens who are sometimes overlooked during holiday toy giveaways. She'd also like gifts for babies.

"Basically, we're going to set up the toys and let the parents come in and pick what the kids want," she said.

Those interested in donating toys, volunteering their time or signing up their children for gifts can contact Heidi Whitney at wpsh2007@yahoo.com You can visit the Web site at http://mitchysma03.tripod.com or call 727 808-0727 for more information.

Update

I'm always gratified when readers of my column respond to people in need. In September, after readers heard about how Niklas' Stetson dirt bike was stolen from his Brooksville neighborhood, an anonymous donor came forward with a new bike.

In response to an appeal in July for computers for the developmentally disabled residents of the Hillandale group home in New Port Richey, scores of computers were donated. Now group home residents have almost unlimited computer access during the day at their adult training center.

Thanks for your generosity.

Andrew Skerritt can be reached at askerritt@sptimes.com at (813) 909-4602 or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 4602.

[Last modified October 13, 2007, 20:22:12]