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‘Kindness’ in action: Eagle scout project puts focus on holidays

Submitted Photos Maddison Smith a 14-year-old Life Scout from Gowanda, is pictured with her toy drop off boxes for Maddison’s Spectacular Toy Drive, which will help local families this holiday season, runs through Dec. 3.

GOWANDA — Maddison Smith, a 14-year-old Life Scout from Gowanda, set out to make a difference this holiday season.

As part of her Eagle Scout project with Troop 276 in Gowanda, Smith came up with a toy drive to provide for local families in need.

Maddison’s Spectacular Toy Drive runs through Dec. 3. Her goal is 1,000 toys through donations of new toys or through monetary donations toward the purchase of new toys.

“All monetary donations will be used to purchase toys from local stores. I will be giving them to local families that may need some extra support during the holidays,” Smith said.

Maddison’s Spectacular Toy Drive offers eight toy drop off box locations: Creekside Market, Collins; Eden Shur Fine, Eden; American Legion, Gowanda; Olympia, Gowanda; Native Pride, Irving; Perrysburg Diner, Perrysburg; Super Duper, South Dayton; and Community Bank, Springville.

Maddison Smith

In addition to the drop off boxes, there will be four toy drop off events at three different locations in Western New York.

First, at Walmart located at 5360 Southwestern Blvd., Hamburg on Nov. 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., then again on Nov. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Additionally, events will be held at Tractor Supply located at 10838 Main St., North Collins on Nov. 30 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., and finally, at Christmas in Gowanda on Dec. 3 from noon to 7 p.m., next to the Gowanda Hollywood Theater.

Love Inc. is helping Smith connect with local families in need during the holiday season.

“Your kindness will not only make my Toy Drive a success, but it will also help the community this holiday season,” Smith said.

To donate by mail, send to Maddison’s Spectacular Toy Drive, P.O. Box 276, Collins Center, NY 14035. Donations are also accepted through Venmo @Maddisonstoydrive.

With questions, contact Maddisonstoydrive@gmail.com or visit maddisonspectatulartoydrive.com.

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