Toys For Tots Sign-Ups This Week and Next- All 95620 Residents May Apply

The 2013 Dixon Toys for Tots/Christmas Programs has announced their schedule for public sign ups, beginning Monday. Anyone living in the 95620 zip code is eligible to sign up their family, with children, for the Dixon programs.

The local, private non-profit 501C-3, all volunteer, collection of Christmas programs is starting its 47th year financed strictly by community and business donation, with no government involvement. The programs offer a chance for children to have a special visit with Santa Claus at his workshop and receive a gift or two. Christmas trees can be made available along with some bikes, and coats will be provided to all of those in need. The food for families only helps those who have children, with the greatest need, during the three weeks the children are out of school.

To sign up for the programs parents must bring proof of residency, proof of income, and their children’s school I.D. cards (if they are of school age) to the Dixon Fire Department on Ford Way on one of four evenings: This coming Monday and Tuesday, November 25th and 26th  or the following week, December 2nd or 3rd from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.            

According to program head, Ted Hickman, “There is no advantage to being first in line on the first night so we ask people to try and pick one of the other three nights and not to bring children unless they really need to. All applications receive the same attention and visit times to see Santa are randomized to fit our schedule so it doesn’t matter when you apply.” He added, “4,000 flyers went home with every child in the school district today (Friday) and we urge parents to keep the flyer and remember the dates because there will be no Saturday sign ups this year.” Families cannot participate in any of the programs without first being approved and signing an application form.            

Hickman said there will be several hundred volunteers working on the seven different programs preparing for Santa’s arrival at his work shop.  He said they expect between 700 and 800 children to be qualified this year and added the coat drive is now underway with the goal again this year of 1,000 coats.

He added, “It’s all about caring and sharing. Donation of toys and coats can be made at over 30 business sites throughout the community and financial donations can be made at the First Northern bank, Bank of America or Wells Fargo Bank in the name of Dixon Toys for Tots. The annual budget for all programs is about $15,000 which includes the special Christmas Eve senior citizen (about 100) visits.