Making every child’s Christmas very special
By John T. Ryan
It’s been a busy two days for Brandy McDonald. At 3 p.m. today, he loaded his sixth load of toys to bring to local children. He wasn’t sure the remaining toys would fit into his big SUV. There might be trip #7. Bringing gifts to children is McDonald’s personal undertaking over Facebook. He started it when he was a town councilor, long before becoming town supervisor.
Brandy said, “I started doing this ten years ago. The first year it was four families. The second year, it was ten. This year, it’s 47 families and 126 kids as of this moment, plus my wife and I brought a carload to the ladies collecting for foster children. Our people and local businesses are so generous. They give and give. It’s unbelievable.”
Brandy said he purchases 95% of the toys himself because most people donate money or gift cards. He commented, “I’m anal, I have to do it myself. So many people have offered to help, but I like to do it.” After doing this for ten years, he knows where the bargains are. He takes advantage of the Big Lots 50% off sale at Thanksgiving time. Then he uses Big Lots rewards to buy even more toys.
McDonald learns about kids in need from JCEO and the Peru school. He brings gifts to kids who didn’t receive them from another organization or agency.
As we finished our conversation, a text from the Peru JCEO said that they need toys for 15 more kids. So, after completing delivery #6, Brandy will be on his way to Plattsburgh to buy more toys.
Posted: December 16th, 2021 under Community Events, Northern NY News, Peru News, Peru resident news/accomplishments.