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No one loses in Toy Shop decision
© St. Petersburg Times, The recent dispute between St. Petersburg's Christmas Toy Shop and the Florida Department of Children and Families does not mean well-intentioned people have to stop bringing joy to needy families during the holidays. The DCF decided to use another organization for its annual toy giveaway. But families who need Christmas gifts for their youngsters will still be able to pick up both new and used items from the Toy Shop, as they have for 80 years. These families simply will not receive a letter from the DCF directing them to the Toy Shop. Instead, the agency will give its client mailing list to other agencies in Pinellas that guarantee children will receive only new toys -- just like their counterparts in five other counties. It is understandable that a state agency would want to avoid the appearance of slighting clients in one part of one county while providing more desirable opportunities for the rest. Some DCF clients and counselors had complained about the quality of the service and refurbished toys the Toy Shop provides. This change satisfies those people who would prefer not to go back. It also allows other DCF clients to continue to patronize the charity if they wish. In short, everybody wins. As for the Toy Shop itself, neither of the two grants it enjoys, from the city of St. Petersburg and from Pinellas County, is contingent on continued collaboration with the state. Hence, the longstanding relationship both governments have with the Toy Shop is unlikely to be disrupted by the DCF's policy change. DCF representatives have said they will include the Toy Shop on a list of charities discussed with clients. That concession lets the Toy Shop keep promoting its services to those who need them. And the Toy Shop can still seek other ways to advertise while strengthening its quality control measures. Already, volunteers are arranging deliveries to migrant families. There was no reason for personality disputes, administrative changes or misunderstandings to cause Toy Shop volunteers or DCF workers to curtail or discontinue their good works at holiday time. Had that happened, the children and the community would surely have suffered. Now it's possible that more families can enjoy more varied generosity than ever before.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
