Mission of joy: Moses Lake girl launches toy drive

Christmas has come early for one Moses Lake girl who has decided to get a head start on collecting toys to donate this Christmas.

Lorelai Draper, 12, said she loves Christmas. If it was up to her, she would have Christmas decorations up all year.

She also has autism, making it difficult for her to comprehend certain topics and social situations. Draper’s mother, Heidi Rogers, said it was only a couple months ago Draper understood not all kids have toys on Christmas. Draper was already getting excited for Christmas and planning her list of what she wanted and her mom explained some kids aren’t as lucky as her and don’t get gifts on Christmas. That did not sit well with Draper, Rogers said, and she knew she wanted to help.

Rogers said when her daughter told her she wanted to collect toys for kids who wouldn’t otherwise have some for Christmas, she was on board.

As of Thursday, Draper collected 280 toys, with 300 toys as the goal.

The toys they collect aren’t exclusive to one age group or gender; they are collecting toys for children of all ages and genders.

The duo will accept toys and donations for toys until Dec. 1, when they will donate them to a local organization for distribution. They have not decided where to donate the toys, but are taking suggestions.

Rogers set up a Facebook Page called “Lorelai’s Toy Drive,” where the community can find ways to donate.

Rogers said she already received monetary donations toward buying toys for the drive. Right now, she said they are saving those for toy shopping on Black Friday to get more toys for their money.

To support Draper, connect on Facebook to determine how to best donate.

Rogers and Draper said they already know they want to continue the collection next year and hopefully for many more years to come.

Rebecca Pettingill can be reached via email at rpettingill@columbiabasinherald.com.