It's become a movement and the message is 'Do not buy toy guns.'In August of this year Youth for the Future declared war on the sale and use of toy guns - and earlier this month they launched a Christmas Toy Drive. They are appealing for new or used books and educational toys which will be given to needy children. They hope the toys will be an alternative for the guns children usually get at Christmas. The drive is being spearheaded by the "Youths Making A Difference" youth group. Y-MAD's assistant moderator is Caryl Brannon.
Caryl Brannon, Y-MAD
"We want toys that have to do with increasing the knowledge, toys like puzzles and books and different stuff like that instead of the toys guns that promote violence. The value isn't a major aspect of the whole thing. We just want to get the toy guns off the street. Whether it is five dollars or fifty dollars, it doesn't matter as long as it contributes to a learning experience, rather than to violence."
You can drop off the toys at Youth for the Future's office or at drop-off bins located at Habet and Habet, Wellworth Store, James Brodies, and Public's supermarkets. The drive ends next week and the toys will be distributed to children in need.
