Franklin County (WSIL) -- In this edition of Unsung Hero, two Franklin County women have helped children get toys under their Christmas trees this holiday.
The ladies wanted to remain out of the spotlight but allowed News 3 This Morning to use their first names.
Ann Schewengel is the Director of the Thompsonville Community of Christ Church Food Pantry. She said Andrea and Maureen deserve the recognition because they spend the year collecting toys from yard sales. If the toys they get need cleaning up, repaired, new clothes, or new hair, they care of all of it, making sure every toy is good as new. The toys are wrapped in cellophane with other items like books and dropped off at the food pantry. The toys go out to families on the Saturday before Christmas during the regular food pantry day.
Ann said she knows the ladies do this out of the goodness of their hearts and sincere love for children.
"They want to bring joy to these children. They fill a gap that we can't always fill here, and they provide that very willingly. These ladies are probably near the end of their career of doing this, and I think they deserve to be honored and to be thanked," said Schwengel.
Ann said the pair have been doing this for 10-years, but about four years at the church. Ann said it's important to acknowledge their efforts because at some point, this will come to an end, and she hopes it will inspire others to do the same.
