We proudly serve Mason County, West Virginia, residents with children 0-14 years old.
The organization began as a service project for the local area Jaycees, but after the Jaycees dissolved a few of the members decided to continue the project and named the group Mason County Toys for Tots Association with Paula Barkey Simpkins leading the group as the County Coordinator.
In the early years, the group didn’t have the funds to purchase new toys, so they collected used and donated toys. The group spent countless hours cleaning toys, brushing baby doll hair, and sorting the toys. The children of group members were considered “toy testers” and quickly learned the importance of giving to others. Today, thanks to the generosity of local businesses and individuals, the organization can purchase new toys for the less fortunate children of Mason County.
A few years ago, the group changed their group name to Mason County Toys for Kids Association, and although the name has changed, the mission has remained the same: to provide for children in need and make certain they have toys underneath the Christmas tree!
The group is comprised of original members, their children, and a few new members have married into the group as well.
County Coordinator, Brandy Barkey Sweeney, is a dedicated member of our community and passionate about giving back. She was given the honor of WSAZ’s Hometown Hero for her work with Toys for Kids.