Kunes Car Convos: Toys For Tots

There’s something special about the holiday season in Walworth County. The lights go up, the snow (usually) rolls in, and communities come together in ways that remind us what “neighbor” really means. In today’s Kunes Car Convo, we had the privilege of sitting down with someone who has spent decades turning that spirit into action: Sherry, the Toys for Tots coordinator for Walworth County and the director of Circle of Friends, a local nonprofit that’s been quietly changing lives for years.

 

If you’ve ever wondered how Toys for Tots works in our area—or how you can help families who are trying to make Christmas happen on incredibly tight budgets—this conversation is for you.

Sherry has been working in Walworth County for 25 years, and for the last 13 of those years, she’s been deeply involved with Circle of Friends. Over time, what began as dedicated volunteer work grew into a leadership role. Her heart for the community is obvious within minutes of talking to her.

 

Circle of Friends is a nonprofit built on a very simple idea: help anyone you can, however you can. Whether that means furniture, clothing, or connecting people to other local resources, the organization steps in where there’s a need. And the most amazing part? Everyone at Circle of Friends is a volunteer. No fanfare. No big spotlight. Just people showing up for people.

Two years ago, Sherry was asked a big question:
 “Could you completely take over Toys for Tots in Walworth County?”

 

That’s not a small task. Coordinating a county-wide toy drive means organizing drop-off locations, recruiting volunteers, working with partner agencies, sorting toys, managing applications, and ensuring everything gets into the right hands—on time, and with care.

 

Sherry didn’t hesitate. She stepped in, brought the same Circle of Friends mindset with her, and got to work growing the program.

The numbers from last year are incredible:

 

• Over 500 kids served
• More than 7,000 toys distributed
• Support delivered to families across Walworth County

That’s not just impressive—it’s life-changing. Think about what that means in real terms: hundreds of kids waking up on Christmas morning with something to open, something that says, “You matter, and your community sees you.”

 

And Sherry is quick to point out that this doesn’t happen because of one person. It happens because Walworth County shows up. Businesses, churches, volunteers, donors, and local partners all play a role.

Here’s where it gets even more exciting: Sherry and the team aren’t aiming to just repeat last year—they want to grow.

 

Their hope is to double those numbers this year.

 

At the time of our conversation, over 400 families had already signed up. That tells you two things right away:

 

• The need is big.
• The trust in this program is even bigger.

Families are reaching out because they know Toys for Tots and Circle of Friends are safe places to ask for help—and that they’ll be treated with dignity.

One of the most common questions we hear is:
 

“Where can I donate?”
Good news—Sherry made this easy for all of us.

 

Drop-off locations are all over Walworth County, in every single town. And if you’re looking for the simplest option, here’s a big one:

 

Every Kunes store in Walworth County is an official Toys for Tots drop-off spot.

 

So whether you’re already stopping in for service, browsing vehicles, or just driving by, you can swing in and donate right there.

 

Other donation sites include:

 

• Lake Lawn Resort
• Walgreens
• Hundreds of local businesses across the county

A full, updated list of drop-off sites will be posted later through Circle of Friends, so keep an eye out. But the bottom line is: if you want to donate, you won’t have to go far.

Toys are the heart of Toys for Tots—but they aren’t the only way to help.

 

Sherry shared that families often need everyday items too. Through the Holiday Care Program, donations can also include:

 

• Gift cards
• Blankets
• Slippers
• Basic household items
• Daily necessities that help a family make it through winter

These extras matter. They reduce stress, stretch budgets, and bring real comfort. Sometimes a warm blanket or a grocery gift card is just as impactful as the toy itself.

One part of the conversation that really sticks with you is Sherry’s description of the families who come to Toys for Tots.

 

Many arrive with almost nothing. Some are choosing between buying toys and buying food for Christmas. They’re doing everything they can, but the math just doesn’t work.

 

Sherry put it simply: the goal isn’t just “a gift.”
The goal is for every child to have a toy in front of them that shows their community cares.

 

That’s what Toys for Tots does when it’s working right. It doesn’t just hand out items. It restores a moment of joy and safety for families who need it most.

While Toys for Tots is a holiday-focused mission, Circle of Friends serves year-round.

 

They help with furniture, clothing, and whatever else they can reasonably provide. It’s the kind of organization that doesn’t ask, “Do you qualify?” first. They ask, “How can we help?” and then they get to work.

 

Sherry emphasized that if someone needs help, they should reach out. There are many places in the county ready to support families, including:

 

• Circle of Friends
• Hope Now in Elkhorn
• Local churches
• Side by Side in Lake Geneva

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—and you don’t have to carry it quietly.

As we wrapped up, Sherry shared a message that felt like a gentle (and needed) nudge:

 

We often take too much for granted. The best thing we can do is help where we’re able—and count our blessings along the way.

 

It wasn’t said dramatically. Just honestly. And that’s what made it land.

If this convo moved you even a little, here are a few simple ways to jump in:

 

Donate a toy
Drop off at any Kunes store in Walworth County or one of the many business locations county-wide.

Donate comfort items or gift cards

Holiday Care Program donations help families in practical ways.

Volunteer your time
Sorting, organizing, and distributing toys takes a village. You could be part of it.

Share the word
The more people who know, the more kids we can serve.

We’re proud to be part of a community that rallies together—and we’re even prouder to support leaders like Sherry who keep that rally going year after year.

 

If you’re looking for a way to make your holiday season more meaningful, this is it. A small action on your part can become a huge moment for a child and their family.

 

Let’s help Walworth County hit that goal and double the number of kids served this year.

 

Because every kid deserves something under the tree—and every family deserves to feel the care of their community.