The Eastern Montana Toy Rescue Is Giving Well-Loved Toys A Second Chance

The Eastern Montana Toy Rescue is taking donations, asking for toys that are well used or toys in need of repair. The idea of a toy rescue took shape about ten years ago as founder Duane Nelson had already been fixing toys for his kids and the kids of neighbors and friends. "I started thinking that there are a lot of kids out there without any toys and that fixing toys and donating them would be a good deal," said Nelson.

The non-profit organization began in the fall of 2015, with six volunteers lending their range of talents to the project, based out of Circle. Each volunteer, including two pastors and a few retirees has their own specialty; woodworking, painting, sewing, electronic and mechanical repair. The Eastern Montana Toy Rescue accepts toys year round, and is happy to be getting started in time for the holidays. Nelson made wooden drop boxes for four locations in preparation for the Christmas season and drop off locations include Circle Insurance Agency, in Circle, Beagle Properties in Sidney, Ray and Wanda Hageman in Jordan, and the Chamber of Commerce and Agriculture in Glendive. Nelson is able to check the drop boxes regularly as he travels working as a home inspector.

Organizations in the area such as the Salvation Army, Kiwanis, Lucky Charms of Jordan, and local churches let volunteers know about families in need and the refurbished items are delivered.

"I feel that we've all been blessed with certain talents and if we can share those with others, we should," Nelson commented, adding that there are a lot of organizations that take new toys, and so the toy rescue is only taking ones that are well used or need fixing.

For more information visit them at Eastern Montana Toy Rescue on Facebook.