Dec 2, 2017 6 min read

When Joyce Ellis talks about Coco’s Christmas, she tells people, “We literally have everything from A to Z.”

She’s not kidding.

During the annual event, a plethora of free items – from adult diapers to plush zebras – are available to those in need – either to give as Christmas gifts or keep. Ellis, executive director of the LeMoyne Community Center, runs the event and does not require registration or use income guidelines.

“It’s hassle-free. I’m trying to level the playing field for those who don’t qualify (for other assistance programs.) People are appreciative,” she said. “It makes my heart swell – just the fact that God would use the center and myself to make this happen.”

More than 1,000 families were part of the program last year. Ellis expects at least that many this year.

With the event, Ellis hopes to take away some of the stress of the holidays for families who struggle financially.

“I want it to be a fun time. (Christmastime) is a worrisome time for parents. People fret,” she said. “We just want to take a little of that stress away and make it enjoyable.”

Coco’s Christmas will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 16 at the LeMoyne Community Center, 200 N. Forest Ave., Washington.

While serving 1,000 people in just three hours may seem to be an unattainable task, Ellis and her team of volunteers have created guidelines to ensure everyone walks away happy.

While people wait in line, there will be warming stations, restroom facilities, hot cocoa and cookies, giveaways and visits from Ellis and the star of the show, her dog, Coco.

“People get a kick out of him coming out in his (Christmas) outfit,” said Ellis.

Groups of 20 are taken in and allowed to select six new toys, then they are taken to other areas where they can select new hats and coats. After that, they can shop the used items. Volunteers are constantly adding new toys to the inventory, so everyone, regardless of their place in line, has an opportunity for them.

Families also will be given free meals to take home.

Children are not permitted in the shops, but kept occupied in an activity area so parents can maintain an element of surprise at Christmas.

“I try to stay a step ahead and think of everything,” Ellis said.

While donations of new and used toys are always needed, Ellis said there is a particular need for gifts for children 12 and older. She said items found at the store Five Below are always popular for teens. With some of the cash donations, Ellis purchases footed pajamas with hoods and small electronics for the older kids. She said they are always among the first items to go.

When the event ends, Ellis allows everyone back in to take what is left. Anything that is not taken is donated to Washington City Mission.

Donations are being accepted at several locations, including the offices of state Sen. Camera Bartolotta, state Rep. Brandon Neuman, City Hall and Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey Vaughan. Ellis encouraged people to do their spring cleaning a little early and donate unused items to Coco’s Christmas.

“People don’t realize how many things they have around the house that don’t get used. It’s a perfect time to clear that out,” she said.

Items for adults also are needed. Ellis said senior citizens are often overlooked during the holidays, and people don’t realize that their unwanted household stuff could be a treasure to someone else.

For example, last year, someone donated a new toilet seat cover. After is was selected, someone approached Ellis to see if there were any more.

“You just don’t know what people need,” she said.

In addition to donations, Ellis is looking for volunteers who can help in many ways. People are needed to help with the donated items, to distribute food and cocoa and even to sing as carolers for those waiting in line.

The event, said Ellis, fulfills a need in the community.

“It has become a necessity for the people. They rely on this for Christmas presents for their kids,” she said. “When people come, you cannot help but to be moved to tears to see that amount of people waiting in line.”

For more information, or to donate or volunteer, call the LeMoyne Center at 724-228-0260.

Drop-off locations for Coco’s Christmas 2017 donations

• State Sen. Camera Bartolotta’s offices; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Southpointe, 135 Technology Drive, Suite 202, Canonsburg
  • Monongahela, 316 West Main St.
• State Rep. Brandon Neuman’s office; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • George Washington Hotel, 60 S. Main St., Suite 207, Washington
• City of Washington, Mayor’s office; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • City Office Building, 55 W. Maiden St.
• County Commissioner Diane Irey Vaughn; 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
  • 100 West Beau St., Suite 702, Washington
• Washington & Jefferson College — Justin Dandoy; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Ski Lodge in The Commons
• Quality Quick Printing
  • 160 N. College St.
• Deka Lash Studios; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Washington Road, McMurray; Library Road, Bethel Park; Greentree Road, Pittsburgh; Perry Highway, Wexford; Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh