Richmond homeless shelter spreading holiday hope with toy drive, and there’s still time to give!

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - It’s getting close to the big day, but you still have time to brighten the holidays for children and their families at the Home Again shelter in Richmond.

We wanted to see just how things were going at the pick up location - whether donations are up or down. So, we got Andre Neita, the coordinator, to show us what he’s gotten so far.

What Andre Neita wants for Christmas is a warehouse loaded with toys. About 600 to be exact for homeless little ones all the way to teens and items to make a house a home.

“Anything that you can give. A jacket, clothing those things are appreciated,” said Neita.

Toys are tokens of hope in tough times for homeless children. The non-profit Home Again helps homeless men, women and their children get back on their feet and in their own home. So, what it receives from the toy-supply drive relieves stress that comes with the holidays for parents who are unable to purchase gifts for their children.

“People who aren’t able to do this for their children still have pride in being parents and want to do things for their children. Having the community come in and pitch a hand and care about them really is impactful,” said Home Again, Executive Director, Lorae Ponder

Your donations will be delivered to Home Again just a couple days before Christmas. Every gift and household item will be placed in the hands of a homeless child and their parents.

Anything that doesn’t make it under the tree will be given at birthdays special occasions including when families leave Home Again and move into their own place.

“We’re giving to people that look like me and you. Homelessness has no face, people that you see daily and don’t even know they are homeless. They appreciate what we give," said Neita.

The owner of Bang Bang Kick Boxing, Francois Ambang is on board again this year helping out.

“Books stuff for education shoes," he said. "Where I grew up back in Cameroon Africa shoes were the one thing we needed. Shoes were something very special.”

The drive has a new partner this year: Ron Beauford with Team Beauford Logistics.

The two drop off locations accepting donations are Professional Moving and Storage at 2209 Station Rd, Richmond, VA and Bang Bang Kickboxing at 8435 Ellerson Dr, Mechanicsville, VA.

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