COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado — A local Sunday school teacher, moved by compassion, put together a toy drive to help the hundreds of families in Colorado Springs forced out of their apartments this month over concerns of asbestos contamination.
Sarah Preciado has followed the news of mandatory evacuations ordered at the Thrive at the Incline and Thrive at Parks Edge apartments. In one story, a mother shared her worries about having to explain to her 8 year old that Christmas won't be the same this year.
"When that light bulb went off, I just kept feeling God's nudge, and I just acted on it," Preciado said. "I didn't wait, I didn't assume people were doing it as well, I just did it."
She contacted Stephanie Moore, a friend at Sunrise Church, and together they've organized the toy drive. They've set up collection bins at locations around the city. They plan to distribute the donations during a special giveaway event on Saturday, December 21 at the church.
"We will have Santa here, we're going to try to have some carolers, some refreshments, and invite the families to come and receive the gifts," Moore said.
The distribution will take place at 9:00 a.m. Families wishing to participate will need to bring a utility bill or other proof of residency at the impacted apartments.
New, unwrapped toy donations are being accepted at the following locations:
Sunrise Church
2655 Briargate Blvd
Serendipity Hair Emporium
3237 West Carefree Circle
Building F
Eden Salon and Barbershop
12 E Kiowa Street
Eden Salon and Barbershop
610 S 21st Street
Financial donations can be made online at https://www.gofundme.com/f/spirit-of-giving-toy-drive
