Trudy, left, and Laura Southwick drop off toys at Troutman's store, which would be delivered to Torrance State Hospital in December 1970. Butler Eagle File Photo

Patients of Torrance State Hospital were ready to receive gifts from the community in December 1970.

According to the Dec. 16, 1970, edition of the Butler Eagle, the Mental Health Association, led by general chairwoman Mrs. Donald O. Oesterling, collected gifts at Troutman’s store in Butler.

Russell Oesterling, who was president of the association, reminded potential toy donors that season that items did not need to be gift wrapped, but should be marked for the intended gender of the recipient.

The gifts would be delivered to the patients at a Dec. 19 Christmas party at the hospital.