It’s already the middle of December. Holiday jingles are blasting everywhere, and I can’t wait to drive home to my decorated apartment to enjoy a holiday movie. In the midst of all the cheer, it’s easy to fly through the month worrying about what present your mother would be least likely to return. It is important to take time to be thankful for the blessings in our lives and think about those in need.

Gabby Pinto

During this holiday season, please help us spread the joy by donating toys to the Hurricanes Toy Drive sponsored by Belk. The toys will benefit the children of InterAct of Wake County and Helping Hands Mission. By donating a toy, you will receive a 25 percent off voucher to use at The Eye team store at PNC Arena. Drop-off bins are located in The Eye and local Belk stores at Crabtree Valley Mall, Triangle Town Center, Cary Towne Center and Southpoint Mall. You may also bring your toys to the Clinique store and Belk Men’s Store at Crabtree Valley Mall. Clinique will be collecting donations to use towards purchasing additional toys.

On Friday, Dec. 14, the Eye Care Associates Storm Squad will be collecting toys from 6-8 p.m. at the first floor mall entrance of the Crabtree Valley Mall Belk store. This will also be fans' first opportunity to receive the 2013 Eye Care Associates Storm Squad Calendar! The ladies will be there to autograph your calendars and collect your toys.

Don’t forget! Take a picture of the toy you are donating and post it on our Facebook page or tweet/Instagram a picture of your donation with #CanesToyDrive, and you'll be entered to win a Hurricanes puck signed by head coach Kirk Muller.

It’s times like these that we need to come together to serve our community. InterAct provides safety, support and awareness to families who are victims and survivors of domestic violence and rape/sexual assault. They will let the mothers that they serve choose from the toys we provide to give to their children. Helping Hand Mission works 365 days a year to fight poverty and help families in our community that are in need. They will personally deliver the toys that they receive to the families and children on Christmas Eve.

Please consider donating toys so that we can help ensure that every child in the area can wake up Christmas morning to presents under the tree.

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