Christmas came early for kids of Richland County Children Services

Christmas came early for about 170 youths in foster care in Richland County on Dec. 17.

Richland County Children Services and Richland Correctional Institution hosted a holiday toy drive for children in foster care. The drive, which kicked off Oct. 20, aimed to collect new, unwrapped toys and gifts for the 170 youths currently in foster care.

The holiday toy drive was even bigger and better in 2025. Buckeye Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Fiat Superstore in Shelby, Mansfield Motorcycle group and staff from RiCI and Mansfield Correctional Institution conducted toy drives or donated toys.

Families started arriving for the toy distribution at 5 p.m. at the MANCI Warehouse at 1150 N. Main St. where volunteers and members of the RICI/MANCI staff made the event extra special.

The warehouse was transformed into Santa’s workshop and families had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, enjoy Christmas cookies and hot chocolate. Santa and the Grinch, too, were on hand.

Keisha Allen, deputy warden of special services at Richland Correctional Institution, said the toy distribution at the warehouse was a first, the idea of warehouse manager Matt Shepherd.

"He said last year he really would like to do a toy drive," she said.

She said the event is amazing as she looked over the tables full of toys.

"If we can brighten a child's life in any way, shape or form, that's what we want to do," Allen said.