Food bank hands out record number of toys

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Food Bank had enough toys to give a record 1,423 children gifts for Christmas this year.

In comparison, 1,174 children received toys last year from the food bank.

"We had enough toys," said food bank Assistant Executive Director Peny Archer. "We made it."

Left over toys are being given to children who are coping with trauma such as a house fire, family death or homelessness.

Central Washington Concrete and Wal-Mart each donated $2,000 to buy toys, personal donations came in from the community including a $500 donation, and the Unchained Brotherhood brought in toys from their toy drive.

For Archer, this year was the first time in four years she didn't lose sleep the night before the distribution worried about whether enough toys would be available.

"It was a marvelous day," she said.

Members of the Marine Corps greeted patrons as they arrived at the door. Santa Claus handed out candy and small toys while parents picked up gifts for their children. For the past five years, Peny Archer's husband Rich Archer played Santa at the food bank.

"It's the happiest day of the year down here, on the toy distribution," Executive Director Linda Finlay said.

The organization never ran out of toys during the distribution this year, whereas last year, Archer and her daughter bought toys during their lunch break, Finlay said.

The distribution day fills her heart with love for the community, she said.

"It's just a feel-good day," she said.