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Abuse Council Low On Toys

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 10, 2008

TAMPA With the number of needy children up and the number of donated toys down considerably, the Child Abuse Council's annual Holiday Store toy drive is desperately seeking donations, especially for infants.

In an e-mail today, volunteer coordinator Maria Lewis pleaded with staff, volunteers and friends of the council for help.

"Last year, the holiday store provided toys for 770 children and this year there are 1,060 needy children signed up to receive toys," she wrote. "That's an increase of over 30 percent."

The council collected some 4,500 toys last year, Lewis said. This year, they've collected only 1,500.

The council needs nearly 500 items for the youngest children - pacifiers, teething rings and rattles - and still needs plenty for children, ages 9-12. It accepts new toys but not stuffed animals, books or violent toys.

Toys can be dropped off at the council, 3108 W. Azeele St., through Tuesday. The office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Call (813) 673-4646 for information.

Yvette Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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