With 2020 having been a dark time for many families and our neighbors, Akin Building Center stores located in Atlantic, Clarinda, Corning and Creston, are stepping-up to organize a program that will bring new toys and gifts to area families. Organizers of “Operation Be the Light” are asking you to donate new toys and gifts, by dropping them off and any of the four Akin Building Centers mentioned. Due to COVID, the items must be new, and in original packing.

You can nominate a family or neighbor on this form, or stopping-in at any of the four locations and filling out the nomination form. In your nomination, you should include whether the child is a boy or girl, their age, interests, clothing and shoe size (if known). Watch the company’s Facebook page for updates on the families and neighbors who have been nominated, along with the list of their needs. No names will be made public. The only information shared will be simple data such as: Family #1 Girl 10, loves art, size M shirts, size 12 pants.

Akin staff will wrap all donated toys and gifts, and anonymously deliver them to nominated families in need, prior to Christmas. Akins will also be contributing to the toy and gift drive, and helping in other ways, as needed per family.

Akins employees would like to deliver the gifts to selected/nominated families by December 23rd, so drop-off your gift by no later than Dec. 21st to allow time to organize and wrap those gifts.