WABASH, IN– Area families in need will receive help once again this Christmastime thanks to a local organization’s two-day gift program. BABE of Wabash County’s Babe in Toyland event will return this holiday season on December 19 and 20, allowing families in the Wabash County region access to a more substantial holiday season regarding gifts.
During those two days, BABE, located at 88 W. Hill St., Wabash, will clear out its Education Wing and fill it with a variety of toys supplied by Toys for Tots, a non-for-profit, and other generous donors, including Advantage Housing and other area businesses.
Parents and legal guardians can preregister for their families online through Babe’s Facebook page. They can also register beginning Dec. 19th at the adjacent Wabash Christian Church, where they will fill out a form. The Church, at 110 W. Hill St., will also have breakfast and lunch available to those who register. Families must show proof of residency by either a state-issued ID or 2 pieces of legal mail.
On that day, registered Wabash County families will be given a number and wait for it to be called to shop across the street at BABE. The program is not income-based and is available for families with dependents aged 0-18. Toys will be graded on a point system, with each shopper allotted 10 points per child. The program will run from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. each day.
“Babe in Toyland is a really special event, and we are very thankful to be able to host it once again this year! This is an event for any family whose children will not receive toys on Christmas morning, so if you know of a family in need, please send them our way!” says BABE director Katey Till.
Children won’t be allowed to participate in the shopping process in the hopes of keeping their presents a surprise. Due to limited space, one or two adults are welcome to shop per household at one time at BABE.
This year, the Access Youth Center at 74 W. Canal St., Wabash, has partnered with the program. Director Brad Bishop has actively distributed toy drop-off bins to local Wabash businesses for donations. Only new toys will be accepted. This year, others helping with this program include the Key Club and Honor Society chapters at Northfield Jr. – Sr. High School, Wabash High School, Gebhart Holdings, and the Ford Meter Box Foundation, which donated a grant.
Those who have questions about the fundraiser can contact Babe by calling 260-274-0158 or emailing babeofwabashinc@gmail.com. Those who want to donate to the program financially can mail checks payable to Babe of Wabash County at the 88 W. Hill St. address with Toyland in the memo line or simply visit babeofwabashcounty.org.
Babe’s mission is to build community connections to provide families with educational, physical, and emotional resources and support. Their vision is for every family in Wabash County to have access to the resources needed to foster a positive, caring, healthy family culture. Their values include safety, trustworthiness, adaptability, growth, unity, and excellence.
