Turning Point in Wareham celebrates as toy drive comes to a close

Dec 12, 2018

Turning Point, a nonprofit serving the homeless, nearly homeless and others in need, is celebrating following a successful toy drive before Christmas. Businesses and individuals came together over the last few weeks to donate enough toys for 180 area families, including 430 children, said Kim Houdlette, Turning Point’s board of directors vice chairman.

“We feel confident all of those children will be opening gifts on Christmas morning,” said Houdlette. “We want to thank everyone for their generosity.”

She said Stevie B’s in Onset, the Wareham Police Department, Wareham Public Schools bus drivers, Eastern Bank, Wareham Ford and Lyndsey’s Restaurant all held drives for Turning Point.

On Wednesday afternoon, Wareham Ford employees ended their drive. The employees donated more than $500 worth of new, unwrapped toys to Turning Point.

Wareham Ford General Manager Craig Barrett said the dealership matched all employee donations. In total, Turning Point received donations worth more than $1,000 from Wareham Ford.

Barrett noted this was the first year the dealership held a toy drive. He said employees got into the spirit of the drive, trying to one up each other with donations.

“We had one person come in with a bike, and then the next day another employee came in with another bike to donate,” said Barrett. “It was fun and everyone was excited to help out.”

Turning Point’s Holiday Outreach program provides clothing, gifts and a holiday meal to families who qualify for assistance from Wareham, Buzzards Bay, Carver, Marion, Mattapoisett, Middleboro and Rochester. Last season, more than 425 children benefited after businesses and volunteers donated.