GRAFTON, Wis. — The greenhouse at the Ultimate Farm Collaborative on Silver Spring Drive in Milwaukee was transformed into a toy house ahead of Christmas.
The collaborative teamed up with Kids2Kids and Kapco for a Christmas toy drive, and on Wednesday local families were able to come by and pick up two toys per kid.
"Over a thousand toys have been given to close to 200 people that have through the door to help make Christmas just a little brighter for families within our community," said Andre Lee Ellis with the Ultimate Farm Collaborative.
For Ellis, the holiday season all comes down to "when you give you get. So when you get, give."
That mentality can also be seen in the many volunteers who helped with the toy giveaway. Volunteer Quinn Taylor said the toy drive meant Christmas started a few days early for him.
"It's an opportunity to show what the city can offer, this year has been such a hard year. Just to have this opportunity to show the positive side of Milwaukee is a blessing," Taylor said.
The toy driveway was especially a blessing for Serge Camille and his family this year.
"About a few weeks ago, our house had a fire. So this is helping out very well," Camille said after picking out toys with his son Zaire.
Despite the tragedy his family experienced, he said he's just happy to be able to spend the holiday season together.
"Around this time for families just to be together, it's really good for the community," Camille said.
