Toy Drive Kicks off for McKinley Fire Victims

Editor's note: The following information was provided by the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce, which has partnered with the Canton Chapter of the Foundation for Community Betterment to host the toy drive.

The North Canton community watched helplessly as two homes in the 500 block of McKinley Avenue SE went up in flames last Thursday.

“When you see that happening and realize that everyone is OK, the next thing that comes to mind is what can we do to help,” said Sarah Ozar, a board member with the , who lives just a few streets from the homes that burned.  

Sarah was not the only person asking this question. It’s been asked by many community members who want to help the Murphy family who lived at 520 McKinley.

In response to this question, the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Foundation for Community Betterment are coming together to collect toys for the three children who lost everything. When we asked Heather Murphy what we could do to help, she said toys for the children were a big need and they lost “everything from their books to the outside balls and toys.” She said, “We hate asking, but as time goes on we start to realize what has actually happened and just how much we don't have.”

New and like-new toys can be donated through April 26 and drop off locations include the North Canton Area Chamber of Commerce office and the .

The collection will culminate with a drop-off event at the  from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. April 26. Volunteers will be there on site to collect donations.

Items most needed include sport equipment, trucks, cars, dinosaurs, power rangers and cowboy toys for boys ages 6-7 and girl toys like dolls, make believe play (specifically playing school), sparkly things, Littlest Petshop, art supplies, dress-up clothes, dance gear, purses and other typical things that an 8-year-old girl enjoys.

For additional information, please contact Chamber Outreach Manager Christina Weyrick-Cooper at 330-499-5100 or ccooper@northcantonchamber.org.