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DIXFIELD — Dixfield Discount Fuel ran its annual toy drive this holiday season with record breaking success. In past years, employees have delivered toys to only one local school.
However, on Dec. 17, they loaded up and made their way to all three local elementary schools; Dirigo Elementary School in Dixfield, Rumford Elementary School in Rumford, and Meroby Elementary School in Mexico. More than a thousand toys were delivered in all.
Cash donations were also handled differently this year. “We had a total of $900 in cash donations from friends/family and customers of ours,” noted office manager Katie Houghton. “One very large donation was made anonymously of $50; after that it all started coming in fast.”
Houghton said Vanessa Doyon, owner of Water’s Edge Therapy, Inc., donated $100 to the toy drive.
“We decided to do a few different things this year. First, we asked for a list of needed clothing items from Dixfield and Rumford elementary schools. We shopped for the clothing items and spent $618. With the rest of the cash, we wanted to do something for some middle school children,” she continued. “We made small toiletry bags for students at Dirigo Middle School for 20 girls and 20 boys, with (items such as) a tooth brush, tooth paste, body wash, loofa, deodorant, gum and Chapstick. The best part was the $5 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card in all of them!”
Employees also reached out to Chisholm Head Start and donated to them as well. “We had accumulated two large boxes of infant to toddler toys, and we knew they would love these,” Houghton said, adding she contacted Jana Richardson, who “came right up to the office and picked them up.”
Overall, this 2018 DDF toy drive was a huge success because of the River Valley residents and businesses and the Dixfield Discount Fuel crew, Houghton stressed.
“We have a great team; they are all so happy to help with this project. Many people saw the ads in the paper and watched our ads fly around on our Facebook page,” she said. “Social media is such a great way to spread the word on such a great cause. We are completely blown away and full of gratitude with all who have helped with this project.”
Houghton added she also wanted to give “a big thank-you” to Melissa McDonald.
She was my helper through this entire process. She helped me with it all, even loading and unloading the many, many boxes at delivery.”
