Holiday help will return for the season as The Lighthouse Foundation holds its Toy Shoppe event Saturday at Bakerstown United Methodist Church in Gibsonia.

The toy giveaway, which has provided toys for families served by The Lighthouse Foundation in need of assistance for more than 35 years, returns in its original iteration as a shopping experience for parents this year after COVID-19 shutdowns in the winter of 2020 forced a change of format.

“When the shutdowns happened in December, it was the evening before our toy shop, and we transitioned in 24 hours to a drive-thru,” said Theresa Rodriguez, marketing and grant manager with The Lighthouse Foundation. “We shopped for everyone, and served 475 kids. Our staff and volunteers came together and they got it done — it was incredible. Everyone was still able to come through and get toys and stockings for their children.”

This year, the “toy shop” experience returns for families in need.

“Once (families) are registered, they're assigned a time slot,” Rodriguez explained. “It all depends on what's donated as to how many items they can choose. Typically, we do multiple items for a child, and each child receives a stocking full of goodies and an opportunity to have all of their presents wrapped.”

Families interested in signing up who have not already signed up for another toy distribution program such as Toys for Tots can call the Lighthouse Foundation to register until Thursday.

Rodriguez said in some cases, families have said there will be “nothing under the tree” for their kids without assistance.

“Christmas morning, to every child, is a pretty big deal. It's a financial burden, especially if you are a seasonal worker and are laid off during winter,” she said. “We see a lot of families that that's their situation. On average, the parents are receiving $100 worth of toys, and it just depends on what they pick, but generally, we're lifting the burden of them having to provide that gift.”

She emphasized that it is not too late to donate. Butler County residents interested in donating new, unwrapped toys, gift cards or monetary donations to benefit the drive can do so at 116 Browns Hill Road until Friday. They can also drop off gifts Friday at Bakerstown United Methodist Church between 4 and 5 p.m.

“If someone wants to actually give toys, we're accepting donations the rest of this week until Friday morning,” she said.