Dozens of Saint Francis employees and volunteers recently loaded, transported, and sorted  4,000 toys destined for children served by Saint Francis Community Services this Christmas. In what has become our largest Christmas for Kids toy collection, Saint Francis staff and Great Plains Manufacturing employees loaded thousands of donated toys Tuesday in Salina, Kansas, and delivered them to Sankey Auto Center for sorting and distribution to children in foster care this Christmas.

Each year, Great Plains employees donate so many toys that a semi-tractor trailer is needed to transport them to Sankey Auto where they are stored until they can be delivered to children served by Saint Francis.

This year was no different.

What’s more, Coldwell Banker Antrim-Piper Wenger Realtors sent their own truckload of toys and provided an antique fire truck to lead the procession from Great Plains Manufacturing to Sankey Auto, from where Rockin’ M Radio was broadcasting live. Rockin’ M employees also sponsored 50 Salina children and delivered their gifts to Sankey Auto the same day.

The annual gift collection has grown into an amazing partnership that’s mirrored in communities served by Saint Francis throughout Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Texas.

Collections like this occur all over – in cities, towns, businesses, and homes where people come together in the spirit of community and love.

Simply put, we couldn’t do Christmas for Kids without the support  of our community partners – corporate sponsors, local businesses, and individuals – who donate gifts and money or host toy drives.

Every year, Saint Francis employees are both inspired and humbled by the outpouring of Christmas spirit on behalf of children and families in need.

Thank you for all you do.

If you haven’t given yet, but want to, just go www.ChristmasForKids.com. Whatever amount you contribute helps.