SIDNEY - Christina Gudahl and Katie Hanes have been part of the local Toys for Tots program for the last several years. Saturday was their last Toys for Tots distribution event at the Sidney Elk's Lodge as formal leaders of the program.

Gudahl said she's been part of the program for about 20 years. They've been head coordinators for about 12 or 13 years, according to Gudahl, who says her involvement in the program started as a recipient.  

"For me, it was just something ... I started off as a single mom, getting toys myself when times were tough, and then I turned it around after I received the toys," Gudahl said. "I started volunteering, and it just kind of stuck with me. It's something that I knew we needed here in Sidney and I wanted to be part of."

The Cheyenne County Rotary Club announced early this month they will take over administration of the local drive beginning next year. However, the Gudahl family will remain part of the program in a supportive role.

Katie Hanes said the program is an outreach of the U.S. Marine Corps.

"It's a national program," Hanes said. "It's through the Marines. It is different programs that bring toys to families in need."

Gudahl and Hanes said the distribution event on Saturday was a success.

"It went really well," Gudahl said. "We changed things up a little bit this year so we're no longer doing the shopping experience. We actually did the shopping for them. They just have to come pick up their bags this year." 

The Rotary Club began working alongside the Gudahl family in preparation for this year's distribution event. 

The club says they're committed to continuing the work and invites the community to join in by donating, volunteering, or spreading the word. The Toys for Tots program collects new, unwrapped toys and distributes them to children who may otherwise go without during the holiday season. 

 

For more information about how to support the Toys for Tots program in Cheyenne County, please contact the Cheyenne County Rotary Club at [email protected] or visit facebook.com/cheyennecountyrotary.