Dear Editor, My name is Phil Harms. I am the supervisor of the Genesis Development Discovery Program in Toledo. This program is a day habilitation program that serves persons with disabilities. Genesis Development creates choices, opportunities and provides supports for the folks we serve. One of our goals is to enrich our folks’ lives by integrating them into the public through community involvement and volunteering. We also enrich their lives through social and leisure enhancement. Our Discovery Program is currently involved in many volunteer projects. As we near the holiday season, we are about to launch our first annual toy drive. Our goal and hope is to collect as many new and quality used toys as we can to help any family in need during this holiday season. We hope to partner with any organization involved in the same goal so the toys can be distributed in the Tama/Toledo, Traer, Gladbrook, Garwin and surrounding Tama County area. Most of us know first hand how stressful Christmas can be in these difficult economic times. When families are financially strapped at Christmas, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and desperation. Every child deserves to experience the magic of Christmas and feel the joy of opening gifts on Christmas morning. If you are able, please help our Discovery Program keep the Christmas spirit alive for needy families with children. Wb would graciously accept any new or quality used toy at our Discovery Program located at 1001 South County Road in Toledo. We are located in the professional building between Eyecare Associates and Heartland Dental. Our hours are 8 am – 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Please look for our flyers that we will be posting in the community with any additional toy drop-off information. Together with you, we can make a difference this holiday season. Thank you!

Phil Harms Meyer Street Traer, Iowa 50675