ODESSA, Fla. — With days left to go in its annual toy drive, Messengers of Hope Mission’s CEO is asking the community for help making holidays brighter for those in need.
“I don’t know if it’s economy, I don’t know if it’s shipping, but giving is way, way down,” said CEO Bob Gardner.
Bags of toys cover the desk and floor in Gardner’s office at the non-profit’s headquarters, but he said that’s nothing compared to last year.
“Last year, you couldn’t get in this room,” Gardner said. “It was basically floor-to-ceiling.”
Gardner said he hopes an appeal to the public can boost donations ahead of the December 17 deadline. Messengers of Hope is asking for donations for kids as…