Staff Report

The Ray of Hope Children’s Advocacy Center is showing the Christmas spirit by hosting a toy drive, in conjunction with the Bell County Chamber of Commerce.

The toy drive began on Friday and will continue through Dec. 3.

Items can be dropped off at the chamber office or at the Ray of Hope center. The gifts do not have to be wrapped.

The items donated will be given to clients of the advocacy center. The center is looking for toys for males and females, ages 4 to 17.

“We just want to give our clients a better Christmas,” said Ray of Hope Executive Director Gina Johnson.

The idea for the toy drive came during a monthly chamber meeting. Johnson stated the chamber embraced the project and chamber members were willing to help.

“I appreciate that the Bell County community has embraced the Ray of Hope center,” said Johnson. “They have allowed us to better provide for our clients in the area.”

The Ray of Hope center provides confidential services to victimized children and compassionate support to non-offending parents and caregivers.

Parenting classes, counseling services and referrals for additional services are provided for non-offending parents or caregivers.

A multidisciplinary approach is in place to investigate child abuse cases, said Johnson.