While local residents are wrapping up their holiday shopping, an appeal goes out to the public for help to bring toys to some needy children.
In his latest “Minute With The Mayor” address, Haverhill Mayor James J. Fiorentini said the group known as “Ozzie’s Kids” continues to seek toy donations for 300 children in the 8 to 13-year-old age group.
“’Ozzie’ tells me that he’s all set with the very little kids. All set with the infants, and all set with the teenagers. But he’s got a real shortage of toys for kids, ages 8 to 13. ‘Ozzie’’s all set for clothes, we have more than we’re going to be able to give out. But he’s 300 toys short,” Fiorentini said.
Fiorentini said wrapped toy donations to “Ozzie’s Kids,” operated by longtime Haverhill police officer Osmond “Ozzie” Hardy, may be left at the police headquarters on Bailey Boulevard, and marked with the appropriate recipient age group.
According to Fiorentini, this season “Ozzie’s Kids” has so far helped “several hundred” children. Another toy drive by the mayor’s office, in conjunction with the local Salvation Army chapter, has helped 40 other needy families bring toys for children.