While her heart is broken for people in western North Carolina, Tiffany Buzzerio also wants every child in Columbus County to have something for Christmas.
Her annual toy drive is short of sponsors this year, she said, because of the local outpouring for survivors of Hurricane Helene.
“People out there have it so bad,” Buzzerio said. “Everybody deserves a good Christmas, but those people need houses. We still have people hurting here at home.”
Buzzerio and a friend coordinate efforts on two toy drives, hoping to “divide and conquer,” she said. This is Buzzer’s third year playing Santa, and she said it’s been the toughest.
“Times are really tight right now,” she said. “I know everybody is hurting. I’m just praying that we don’t have to tell anybody that their kids didn’t make the cut.”
Currently she has 100 children whose parents have applied for help through her annual Christmas toy drive. Unlike in years past, donors can purchase just one or two items from a child’s list if they cannot afford everything.
Buzzerio said she saw firsthand how generous Columbus County can be when she was working with Helene relief efforts early on.
“So many of those people out west were left with nothing,” she said. “They need our help, but we have serious needs right here at home, too.”
Buzzerio said donors are asked to pick a child’s number from the list on her Facebook page, then provide what they can off each wish list. She also accepts donations via CashApp and Venmo for people who want to help but don’t have the time.
“It doesn’t take much to make a big difference in a child’s life,” she said. “There are a lot of opportunities to help out there. I just hope people will help out here at home, too.”
Call 910.234.4101, for more information. Gifts need to be dropped off Dec. 16-17 for pickup by parents Dec. 17-19. You can also view a list of children to help at https://www.facebook.com/tbuzzerio/.
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