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The 2005 death of Oklahoma 2-year-old Kelsey Smith-Briggs ignited sweeping change, calling into question the effectiveness of social services and inspiring a state law that offered greater protection against child abuse.
It also inspired former Penn Valley resident Shannon Nicodemus, who for the third year is operating a toy drive to bring some happiness to local victims of child abuse in time for the holidays.
“When I heard Kelsey's story, it touched me,” said Nicodemus, after viewing a Youtube video about the case. “I got in touch with (Kelsey's) grandmother on Facebook, and she's actually the one who suggested doing a toy drive.”
Nicodemus, herself a mother of two with a third child on the way, started Kelsey's Kids Toy Drive in 2007 with one drop-off box at The Union.
In 2008, Nicodemus, who has family in the area, expanded the drive to include more locations in Yuba City, where she graduated from the Yuba College Nursing School in May. She even managed to pass on her passion, as her former Nursing Instructor is now introducing new students to the program.
Last year's drive garnered more than 150 toys, and Nicodemus hopes to collect even more this year before the drive ends on Dec. 20.
Local drop-off points include Player's Pizza, 10161 Commercial Ave, Penn Valley; and The Union office, 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley; in addition to other locations beyond the county.
Donated items go to a Nevada County child advocacy office that works for the prevention of child abuse, which then distributes the toys to local children in need.
“(Child abuse) really is more common than people think,” said Nicodemus. “And it's (a shame because) it's so preventable.”
To learn more about Kelsey and her cause, visit KelseysPurpose.org
For more information about the toy drive, or for more drop-off points in the area, contact Nicodemus at (530) 828-3696 or at shannonnicodemus@aol.com.
Contact intern Ed Wright, a senior at Bear River High School, at intern@theunion.com or (530) 477-4239.
It also inspired former Penn Valley resident Shannon Nicodemus, who for the third year is operating a toy drive to bring some happiness to local victims of child abuse in time for the holidays.
“When I heard Kelsey's story, it touched me,” said Nicodemus, after viewing a Youtube video about the case. “I got in touch with (Kelsey's) grandmother on Facebook, and she's actually the one who suggested doing a toy drive.”
Nicodemus, herself a mother of two with a third child on the way, started Kelsey's Kids Toy Drive in 2007 with one drop-off box at The Union.
In 2008, Nicodemus, who has family in the area, expanded the drive to include more locations in Yuba City, where she graduated from the Yuba College Nursing School in May. She even managed to pass on her passion, as her former Nursing Instructor is now introducing new students to the program.
Last year's drive garnered more than 150 toys, and Nicodemus hopes to collect even more this year before the drive ends on Dec. 20.
Local drop-off points include Player's Pizza, 10161 Commercial Ave, Penn Valley; and The Union office, 464 Sutton Way, Grass Valley; in addition to other locations beyond the county.
Donated items go to a Nevada County child advocacy office that works for the prevention of child abuse, which then distributes the toys to local children in need.
“(Child abuse) really is more common than people think,” said Nicodemus. “And it's (a shame because) it's so preventable.”
To learn more about Kelsey and her cause, visit KelseysPurpose.org
For more information about the toy drive, or for more drop-off points in the area, contact Nicodemus at (530) 828-3696 or at shannonnicodemus@aol.com.
Contact intern Ed Wright, a senior at Bear River High School, at intern@theunion.com or (530) 477-4239.
