BATAVIA, Ohio (Dec. 18, 2014) – Thanks to an outpouring of support from individuals and organizations to the Community Toy Chest, more than 350 Clermont County children will wake up Christmas morning with their wish lists filled and presents under the tree.

The children, under the care of Clermont’s Children’s Protective Services (CPS) and most of them in foster care, put together their lists several months ago. The lists included fun items – toys for children, electronics for older kids — as well as clothing. Sanna Gast, coordinator for the Toy Chest, handled all the logistical details, including providing ID numbers for each child as the lists were distributed to sponsors.

Starting the first week in December, hundreds of wrapped presents were dropped off at CPS’s offices, overflowing the cubicles and halls before they were shipped out with caseworkers to the appropriate foster care family.

“Our sponsors are tremendous,” said Gast. “Without them, we would not have been able to do this. Our children are separated from their birth parents, in very difficult situations, and the sponsors of the Community Toy Chest allow them to feel like a regular child for a couple of days.”

Major sponsors this year included SonRise Church of Cincinnati, which sponsored 100 children, and GE Aviation, which sponsored 61. Tipton Interests displayed a giving tree in its Wards Corner Business Center, where many tenants selected children to sponsor. Several Clermont County departments, offices and agencies also sponsored children.

This year, individual wish lists were also posted to the county’s Facebook page (facebook.com/ClermontCounty) and Twitter account (@ClermontCounty).

Clermont County Commissioners David Uible, Bob Proud and Ed Humphrey expressed their gratitude to sponsors for their generous support.

(Pictures: Above, CPS worker Bobbi Grooms barely has room for herself in the elevator as she brings up gifts from GE. Right, CPS worker Katie Smith brings in gifts from GE.)