MUNCIE, Ind (NewsLink)-- Matthew Peiffer and his two sisters spent many years in the foster care system. They were all victims of abuse and faced many other challenges during their time. Now, Peiffer wants to give back to the foster children this Christmas with the first annual Foster Youth Toy Drive.
“I was in their shoes once and I know exactly how it feels to go through Christmas without gifts and without the family atmosphere,” Peiffer stated.
Since multiple programs like Benchmark and Foster Select could not do their normal Christmas activities this year due to COVID-19, Peiffer felt that he needed to step in with the toy drive.
“Kids are cooped up at home and it is really affecting them emotionally,” Peiffer said.
Along with the toy drive this year, a silent auction will take place to create care packages for the families in need.
“Dec. 11, we are going to be doing an auction online at 7 p.m. You will be able to go online before the silent part, then we have live auctions going on,” Jack Surface stated about the silent auction.
The way that Peiffer’s story has impacted so many people in Muncie, Mayor Dan Ridenour felt a connection to this event and knew he had to help because his family also had foster children while he was growing up.
“There was no way the city of Muncie and this office would not be left out of trying to help change lives in some way, shape, or form, because I know the difference it can make,” Ridenour said.
There are now 221 foster children already listed in the donations and collection boxes have been placed at Kramer Insurance and the Red Apple Cafe with more boxes being delivered to various businesses in the coming days.
If anyone is wishing to donate or have have any questions about the toy drive, they can visit here.
