Clermont Elves Making their Rounds this Holiday Season

Immediate Release
December 17, 2009

Batavia, Ohio. “The holidays will definitely be a bit brighter for hundreds of foster children this year.” said Sanna Gast, organizer of the Clermont County Community Toy Chest. “I would like to thank the many individuals, businesses, church groups, and county agencies that purchased gifts to be distributed to the 315 children who are in the care of the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services.”

On a recent morning, several hallways at the Clermont County Department of Job and Family Services’ offices in Batavia were lined with brightly wrapped gifts, as Santa’s elves began sorting them by number to ensure they would reach their destination quickly. “Every year I am amazed at the generosity of individuals in this county,” said Gast, smiling as she helped sort the gifts headed to children between the ages of birth and 18.

“While we target the drive to the holiday season, monetary donations and gifts are used year round for birthdays, the first day of school, graduation, and other milestones in a child’s life,” said Gast. “The children in foster care are going through a difficult period in their lives and these gifts can help make them feel a little better. I can’t describe how excited they are to receive these items. There are so many tears and smiles.”

If you are interested in making a donation to the Community Toy Chest, contact Sanna Gast at Clermont County Children’s Protective Services at (513) 732-7264. Monetary donations (checks only) can be mailed to: Community Toy Chest, 2400 Clermont Center Drive, Suite 206C, Batavia, Ohio 45103.
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For additional information about this or other county news, contact Clermont County Communications Director Kathryn Lehr at (513) 732-7597 or by e-mail, klehr@co.clermont.oh.us.