The “Can Do” Kids were helping their parents and grandparents decorate the party room at the community center for the Holiday party. Just then Miss Sue, the center director, came in and asked to talk to everyone. Parents, grandparents and “Can Dos” all sat down to listen to Miss Sue.

“Good morning everyone,” said Miss Sue.” While I’m happy parents and grandparents are here, what I have to say is mostly for the “Can Do” Kids.” The “Can Dos” looked at each other, worried that they did something wrong but not able to remember what it could be.

Miss Sue smiled. She knew what they were thinking. “You are not in trouble, children. I want to talk with you about what we can do for all the children who lost their toys and books during the hurricane that hit the next town from us. The “Can Dos” looked sad at just the thought of losing all one’s toys and books in a flood from a hurricane.

Orrie asked,”How can we help?” Annie said, “What can we do?” Hector added, “We’re only kids, how can we help them get toys?”

“Well,” answered Miss Sue, “The holidays are coming and you will all be getting gifts of new toys and books. What about going through all the toys and books you have now and giving toys you don’t play with anymore and books you have read to children who lost all the toys and books they had?”

Hector wasn’t so sure. He loved all his toys, even the ones he didn’t play with much. Kathy and Annie were having a hard time with the idea of parting with some of their old toys too.

Orrie was the first to offer a toy and some books. Then Willie and Nellie agreed to go through their toys and books and find some that would make good nearly new play things. Pretty soon all the “Can Dos” agreed to give away a toy and a book to children who lost all their toys and books. Even Hector, Annie and Kathy said they would chip in a toy and a book.

Miss Sue told the “Can Dos” she was very proud of them. “Let’s call our project the Nearly New Toy Drive.”

Miss Sue added, “Be sure that the toy and book you decide to give to the toy drive are in good condition. They need to be clean and have all their pieces if they are games, parts if they are toys, and pages if they are books. Don’t give away anything you wouldn’t want to get yourself.”

The “Can Dos” all nodded. The parents agreed to help them pack up what they were giving to the toy drive. The grandparents offered to help the “Can Dos”write notes to go with the toys and books they were giving away.

Boys and girls reading this, here is a question for you…Do you have a toy or book that is in good condition that you could give to a nearly new toy drive near where you live?