A group of local businesses partnered to host a city wide toy drive, collecting hundreds of toys for children in Reading. After hours of wrapping Wednesday, organizers distributed the gifts on Penn Street Thursday morning at Reading Distilling Guild.
Several Reading businesses participated in gathering toys for the event, including I’m So Reading, The Plug, Brotherly Love Cuts, All Stars, All Seasons, Unconquer Fitness, and Mike & Joe’s Barber Salon.
Families began to line up as early with a line that stretched up North 5th Street. After providing their age, children were given a wrapped present, hot chocolate, and cookie.
For those waiting in line, Walking in Faith Ministries, provided bag breakfast snacks to each family.
Local elected officials, Mayor Eddie Moran and Representative-elect, Manny Guzman, attended the event to thank the group for their community involvement. “Seeing so many children smiling brings joy to our community” said Mayor Moran.
”No pandemic or virus is going to stop us from bringing some joy to our community. It’s my honor and pleasure to come to say thank you to theses individuals.”
Will Wilson, founder of the I’m So Reading brand, “The businesses and their clients all brought toys in to provide this year. This is a community event, the community did this with out leadership.”
“This isn’t about what we did, we just helped have a platform, the community made it happen” said Chris Flowers of Reading Distilling Guild.
