CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Gordon Lutz, director of operations for Huey Magoo’s restaurants, has turned a small act of generosity into a mission of kindness. What started as a single toy donation when he was 16 years old has grown into an effort to provide toys to thousands of children each year.

“It started with donating one toy when I was 16,” Lutz said. “I promised God that I would pay back the kindness shown to me.”

On Wednesday, Lutz and Huey Magoo’s local management team delivered a carload of toys to the Pickaway County Community Action Organization (PICCA) as part of its annual Toys for Tots campaign.

“One toy has turned into nearly 5,000,” Lutz said, adding that he expects to donate that many this year alone.

For Lutz, collecting toys has become a year-round passion.

“I buy and collect toys all year long now,” he said. “It’s become an obsession for me. God’s been very faithful to me.”

Becky Hammond, executive director of PICCA, praised the impact of Lutz’s donations.

“We are so blessed to have the support for a program that makes a difference in the lives of so many people,” Hammond said. “The power of giving one toy to a child cannot be underestimated. We cannot thank Huey Magoo’s enough for its support.”

PICCA’s Toys for Tots program serves hundreds of families annually, providing toys to children who might otherwise go without during the holiday season.

Huey Magoo’s Donates – Members of the Huey Magoo’s management team and PICCA staff with a load of new toys donated for Toys For Tots. Those in the photo are (standing L. to R.) Gordon Lutz, Calvin Fowler and Chris Daniels of Huey Magoo’s, and Fallon Kingery, PICCA community services director. (Kneeling) Nick Pruitt, PICCA CSBG/Energy Director.

PICCA’s Toys for Tots Distribution Details

PICCA’s Toys for Tots distribution center is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. through Monday, December 23.

Applicants must provide:

  • Photo identification
  • Proof of income
  • Identification for their children (e.g., medical cards, Social Security cards, or state identification cards)

Required documents can be shown as photos on a phone. PICCA will verify the documents but does not retain copies.

Once qualified, children from infancy to age 17 will receive $50 worth of toys. Selection varies daily, and restocking occurs as donations are received.

Assistance and Contact Information

PICCA encourages families unsure of their eligibility to contact the agency, as it understands the unique financial challenges many are facing.

Address:
469 E. Ohio St., Circleville, Ohio 43113
Website: www.picca.info
Contact: Matthias Rickerd at (740) 477-1655