Photo from Derik Nissel Toy House Facebook - The collection of toys from 2018 with Derik's niece and nephews. From left to right are Grayson Dickey, Steven Nissell, and Lilly Nissell.
Christmas decorations are starting to go up and the season of giving has kicked off. This year is the 5th year for the Derik Nissell Toy Drive. Beginning in November each year, the toy drive gives people a chance to help out local children who all need a brand new toy to unwrap for Christmas.
The Derik Nissell Toy House was set up to honor lifelong South Bend resident Derik S. Nissell who passed away in his mid-twenties on February 29, 2016. Derik enjoyed donating toys to kids in need while he worked for the Westport Shipyard. The toy house continues this tradition.
"We were unable to hold any of our fundraisers this year due to COVID, which has impacted the number of toys that we have been able to purchase," said Joyce Kidd, Derik's mother. "We are hoping that the community will continue to support this event with toys or monetary donations. We have no overhead so every penny donated goes to purchase toys for our local kids. Even though times are tough, we want to continue to share Derik's wish that every child has a gift on Christmas morning."
Drop off locations
Raymond:
- Dennis Company
- 7th Street Coffee
South Bend:
- Pioneer Grocery
- Elixir Coffee Shop
If you need your donation picked up, call Joyce at 360-875-6473. Toys are picked up from the drop off locations by Thursday, December 10.
This year the toy distribution will be at the Community Chamber building in South Bend on Saturday, December 12 starting at 8:30 a.m. The distribution will continue until all the toys are gone. Please only one person per household during the distribution.
"Masks are required, temperatures will be taken and hand sanitizer and gloves will be provided upon entry," said Joyce. "People will still be given a number when they sign in, but we will then ask them to go back to their cars and wait for us to call their number. Only two people will be allowed in to shop at a time. We want to ensure that proper social distancing protocols are being followed and that everyone is protected to the best of our abilities. This will be a shop solo event, only one person per family will be allowed to shop and no children will be allowed in the building."
For more information on the Derik Nissell Toy House call 360-875-6473 or visit their Facebook page.