POINT PLEASANT — It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

However, many local children do not have the opportunity to experience Christmas due to various reasons, such as their families’ financial circumstances.

The Mason County Toys for Kids organization, which has existed for nearly 30 years, has made it their goal to help area children who are in need. According to Brandy Barkey Sweeney, Mason County Toys for Kids coordinator, the group started as a community service project for the area Jaycees.

Once the Jaycees folded, former members chose to continue the project and at that point it became the Mason County Toys for Tots, Sweeney said.

She added that the name was later changed to Mason County Toys for Kids in order to avoid confusion with the Marines Toys for Tots program. Sweeney emphasized that every thing collected for Toys for Kids stays in Mason County.

“There are a lot of people in our own community that need help whether they have lost a job or are in between jobs,” Sweeney said. “There is nothing to be ashamed of — that’s why we are here. Everyone in Mason County is eligible for Toys for Kids.”

For Sweeney, who has volunteered for the organization since she was a child, Toys for Kids means Christmas time.

“I don’t know a Christmas without doing Toys for Kids. Christmas time is about giving. It is a tradition and my entire family is involved,” she said.

According to Sweeney, Toys for Kids provides children with a full fledged Christmas. The organization’s volunteers sort from a list and then fill large bags with presents, and children are able to receive multiple gifts. Sweeney said that she does not expect the economy to stop people from giving to the cause this year.

“We have several great Christmas programs that help do different things in the area — that to me is one of the best things of Mason County because we are willing to help our own,” she added.

Toys for Kids accepts used toys that are still in good shape as well as new toys. Sweeney described the ages zero to two and ages 13 and up groups as being the most difficult to provide for. To donate items, call Sweeney at 304-593-6055. Donation boxes also are located at the north branch of Peoples Bank. In addition, 2009 Battle Days Queen Kiona Norvell has set up donations jars for the cause at several area businesses. Also, on Saturday, Dec. 5 from 9-11 a.m., Toys for Kids volunteers will be outside of the Point Pleasant City Building to collect donations.

Sweeney encouraged everyone to give to the cause.

“If you sit down and think about your own life, you realize you have a lot to be thankful for, and there are those out there who don’t have nearly as much as we do — this is the time of year to reach out to those in need,” she said. “God gave us his son so we could at least give to a child too.”

The next Toys for Kids sign up will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Village Pizza in Point Pleasant. For more information, call 304-593-6055.