Tis the season for toy drives and members of Girls Scout Troop 4057 in Tucker have mounted a drive to collect toys to help the Tree House Gang, a support group for children of cancer patients getting treatment at DeKalb Medical.

Troop adviser Tracy Hetrick said the Scouts have been collecting toys for more than a month for the Tree House Gang members. The girls will also be participating in the Dec. 14 Holiday Hay Ride & Toy Drive at the Kingsley Swim and Racquet Club in Forest Park to help the Tree House Gang.

"We feel strongly that the Tree House Gang provides very valuable emotional support and education to these children," Hetrick said.

Entry to the hayride, which begins at 5 p.m., is a new, unwrapped toy or purchase a Tree House Gang holiday card, designed by children in the program.

Tree House kids attend quarterly group meetings where they express their feelings about their loved ones' illnesses and share experiences. The support group also takes the children on tours of the hospital facilities so that they better understand the treatments for their family members.

To donate to the toy drive, call 404-626-3892. For more information on the Tree House Gang, call 404-501-EASY.
© 2008 CrossRoadsNews