Growing up in Tennessee and Michigan, Janet Hale never experienced Christmas at home. When she moved to Florida about 40 years ago, she decided she would give children in the area a merry Christmas by hosting a toy drive. Around 30 years ago, she added a Christmas Eve party, requesting that each guest bring an unwrapped toy for a child up to 17 years of age. She said she also gets donations such as clothes, shoes and blankets. “It’s very special to my heart,” Janet said. “I like to see kids get cool things for Christmas. It’s all about the kids.”
Janet Hale donates the toys to Children’s Home Society of Florida, which does work throughout Volusia, Flagler and Putnam counties. Many of the children that receive gifts from the party send Hale thank you cards. “It’s very special to my heart,” Janet said. “I like to see kids get cool things for Christmas. It’s all about the kids.”
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