SLICE OF LIFE: Glitter, flashing lights and the sounds of Christmas

Adults are no fun.

'Santa's helpers' make children in need smile; more than 1,000 toys distributed

MERRILLVILLE | Members of the Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association share another common interest in addition to their craft.

Group makes toys for children in need

The Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association created toys to provide to children in need for the holidays.

Group makes toys for children in need

Nancy Distel, a Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association member, places toys on tables at the Hidden Lake Park social center.

Group makes toys for children in need

Toys fill tables before they are distributed to local organizations, which will provide the items to families in need for Christmas.

Group makes toys for children in need

Belita Sandefur, of the Terrace Park Church of God, looks at a toy made by the Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association.

Group makes toys for children in need

Norm Johnson, a Northwest Indiana Woodworkers Association member, looks at a toy.

Hobart 4-year-old collects more than 200 Toys for Tots

Four-year-old Riley Mikula, of Hobart, watches as Hobart paramedic Mike Haney puts toys in the back of an ambulance to be donated to the Toys for Tots campaign Saturday. Riley and his family donated 207 toys, with the Hobart Fire Department helping transport them to the Hobart Toys-R-Us drop-off.

Hobart 4-year-old collects more than 200 Toys for Tots

Four-year-old Riley Mikula, of Hobart, struggles to carry some of the 207 toys he and his family collected for the Toys for Tots campaign to a waiting Hobart ambulance Saturday.

Hobart 4-year-old collects more than 200 Toys for Tots

Hobart residents Riley Mikula, 4, and his mom, Tianna, play together before donating 207 toys to the Toys for Tots campaign Saturday. The Mikulas raised money throughout the year to buy the toys through selling their older belongings, as well as popcorn and Kool-Aid.

Hobart 4-year-old collects more than 200 Toys for Tots

Four-year-old Riley Mikula and his mom, Tianna, of Hobart, share a high-five Saturday before helping to load up 207 toys the family donated for the Toys for Tots campaign.

Hobart 4-year-old collects more than 200 Toys for Tots

Four-year-old Riley Mikula, of Hobart, watches as Hobart Fire Department personel along with his mom, Tianna, and dad, Dave, carry toys to an ambulance to be donated to the Toys for Tots campaign Saturday. The Mikulas raised money through the year to be able to purchase and donate 207 toys.

Switch & Go Dinos from VTech

VTech, $15.99, Ages 3 to 8 Switch & Go Dinos

Amazing Spider-Man Action Toys starring Marvel Comics

SilverLit, $44.99, Ages 8 and older Amazing Spider-Man Action Toys starring Marvel Comics

Kid Picks with Philip Potempa for Thursday, July 5, 2012

Our weekly round-up of new children's media.

Resale shop offers bargains for savvy shoppers

Thrifty parents who are looking to update their children’s wardrobe or toys should visit Once Upon a Child in Schererville, said store owner Kim Crnarich.

Mother, daughter team creates Joi Doll to inspire children

CHICAGO | The inspirational, educational and motivational Joi Doll was born when a friend suggested LaTrece Joi Russell should design a doll in her own image.

Santa delivers donated gifts to hospital patients

HAMMOND | Tony and Geri Basso, owners of Chuck & Irene's Bar & Restaurant joined Santa Claus for visits Sunday to five area hospitals. They gave young patients Christmas presents that customers had donated.

Marines distribute toys at Valpo armory

Kathleen Bretzinger, 18, a member of the Portage High School Junior ROTC, joins volunteers Saturday morning during the Toys for Tots distribution at the National Guard Armory in Valparaiso.

Marines distribute toys at Valpo armory

Hundreds of volunteers work Saturday morning to fill bags with toys during the Marine Corps Toys for Tots distribution at the National Guard Armory in Valparaiso. The program provided toys for 2,200 kids this year and helped 260 families, said Jim Atkinson, of the Dunes Leathernecks Marine C…