The ABCFM Toy Express will make debut this month at the 2023 Annual Meeting. (Submitted)
The Arkansas Baptist Children & Family Ministries (ABCFM) Toy Express will make its debut during the 2023 Annual Meeting of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention (ABSC).
When a passenger bus was donated to ABCFM, dreams began forming of how it could be used to serve children.
With the toy store already located at their central office on West Markham Street, Director of Communications Heather Noel said they wanted even more children to have access to new toys for birthdays and Christmas.
That led to the concept of a toy bus, allowing ABCFM to collect toys for children in foster care and offer a fun way to deliver the toys to youth in foster care around the state.
Noel said this allows children who are not able to shop at the ministry’s Central Office Toy Store the opportunity to enjoy a new toy.
“Often, kids from hard places have never experienced the joy of birthday presents or presents under the Christmas tree. Simple joys that every child deserves to experience. While a new toy cannot change their circumstances, it is a moment of happiness that every child should know. More importantly, it is an opportunity for children to feel seen and loved,” Noel said.
“We are grateful for this addition to our ministry and excited for the ABCFM Toy Express to make its debut at ABSC 2023. We invite you to help us deliver joy all year long. Bring a new toy for any age from baby to teen to the annual meeting and stop by the toy bus to donate your toy.”
The 2023 Annual Meeting is Oct. 24-25 at Walnut Street Baptist Church in Jonesboro. The ABCFM Toy Express will be used all year long to both gather toys and distribute toys to children in foster care.