Christmas donations needed

RICHMOND, VA (WWBT) - Two businesses joined forces and announced a toy drive for children in crisis at Christmas. 12 On Your Side checks on the drive's progress since the urgent appeal was made last month.

They really need people to demonstrate a magnanimous spirit and help children who are less fortunate and in crisis. Here's how you can help and who benefits from your benevolence.

Organizers have pushed their appeal into high gear. 300 toys filled this storage space last year. Today, they're waiting for the first Christmas donation.

"Right now there's nothing but dust. We need this space filled," said Anton Colfield.

Toys are tokens of hope in tough times, and the businessmen are determined to place toys in the hands of children who may otherwise feel unwanted and unloved this holiday season.

"Families are having a hard time now paying their bills so just providing for the basic necessities during the winter time comes first. Toys are kind of secondary," said Andre Neita.

The beneficiaries of your kindness receive shelter and services at Saint Joseph's Villa, a non-profit organization for women and children in crisis.

"I think our chances are excellent. We did it once, we can do it again," said Anton Colfield.

Andre Neita runs a professional moving company and has helped 12 On Your Side help more families with free furniture than we can count.

Anton Colfield owns Antonz Barber & Beauty Salon. The toy drive gets their time, sweat, equity and resources. The goal is to collect between 300 and 500 toys, including bicycles, games, dolls, trucks, music and books by November 28th, the Monday after Thanksgiving. It's a huge mission and not much time left to donate.

Anton remembers many who gave last holiday season.

"Strangers, people who don't frequent the barber shop. People who don't need the moving services. Those are the people who came in and we appreciate your support and we hope to see those same people and more this year," said Anton.

Drop-off locations are: Antonz Barber & Beauty Salon, 3412 Semmes Avenue and, Professional Moving & Storage, 133 Belt Boulevard, Richmond, Virginia.

You can drop of new bikes, games and toys for children, ages toddler to 18. St. Joseph's Villa is requesting  new toys to avoid receiving used toys that may have been recalled.

Drop-off times are Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

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