the Saipan Rotary Club meeting at the Hyatt Regency, said they would appreciate donations of safe toys.
“We would encourage educational toys for these children who may not be receiving any gifts from anybody this Christmas. It will make a huge difference in their lives,” Torres said.
She said the Christmas toy drive has been an annual program for the past 10 years or more.
She added that last year, they distributed various toys and gifts to almost 300 children and young adults on Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
“We get a listing of the kids who needs gifts for Christmas from our social workers, and these kids could be among those under the juvenile delinquency programs as well as the abused and neglected kids,” Torres said.
She added that for safety reasons, they advise the donors to bring their gifts and toys unwrapped.
“If you wrap your presents, we will have to open them to check which age group they would go to, and see to it that the gifts would go to the appropriate recipients,” Torres said.
She is also inviting community members who would like to become foster parents for children to get an application form from the DYS office.
“There are so many of these kids who need a normal family to take care of them. You can make a difference in their lives by welcoming them into your homes and becoming their foster parents,” Torres said.
She said the application form contains the requirements prospective foster parents must meet in order to adopt a child.
“We will go through the application forms and visit your homes,” Torres said.
Interested foster parents may contact Vivian Sablan at 664-2555 for more information.
For donations for the toy drive, you may call Torres at 664-8657.
