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Even with the COVID-19 pandemic going on, Walt Massey Automotive teamed up with the Covington County Department of Human Resources for the sixth year in a row to give out toys to children in Covington County.

Covington Cares started because Massey wanted to start doing Toys for Tots, but those gifts are spread all around the state. They reached out to Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce director Chrissy Duffie six years ago and that is when they partnered with DHR.

“This year has been amazing even with COVID,” Lori Varner with Massey said. “Even with cutbacks, we were able to do the same amount that we have done. I was worried that businesses wouldn’t be able to do as much as they usually do because we are all struggling, but they have really stepped up this year. I am really grateful for all of our businesses and customers this year.

Varner said she is very proud to be apart of this program.

“Just due to the fact that all of these toys go to local kids means a lot,” Varner said. “I think it really affects our community.”

Celia Kelley with DHR said the department is grateful for the program this year because families may not be able to get out and shop.

“We target the families that were not able to get toys through Community Christmas,” Kelley said. “It may be because they missed the deadline or they completely forgot. We want to make sure that every child gets the Christmas that they deserve and through this program, we are able to do that.”