CANORA -The Yuletide Toy Drive has returned to Canora for 2024.
Families have until Dec. 16 to get their names in for donations, according to Jocelyn Weinbender, spokesperson.
The Yuletide Toy Drive is in memory of the late Byron Chayeski, an advanced care paramedic in Canora. Chayeski organized the first drive in 2010, when it was known as the Yuletide Medic Drive.
One of the highlights each year for the young and the young at heart alike is Fill the Sleigh day, scheduled for the Red Apple Store on Dec. 7. This year, there will be an actual sleigh to fill with toys, parked outside the Red Apple Store all day long.
Santa is expected to drop in for a visit during the day, and anyone who makes a donation will be entered to win a prize.
“Cash and toy donations to the Toy Drive can be made at 802 Norway Road 麻豆传媒AV and at the Red Apple Store,” said Weinbender. In addition, a toy bin is located at Crossroads Credit Union.
Used items are not accepted, donations must be new and still in the packages. Suggestions for donations include: books, toys, card games, board, games, crafts and so on.
“Dinosaurs were quite popular last year,” said Weinbender. “There were also quite a few puzzles and stuffed animals.”
“We also give out blankets, toothbrushes, mittens, toques, as well as body wash and deodorant for the older kids, some of the necessities of life.”
Cash donations are always welcome, since they provide an important component of flexibility.
“Cash can fill in the gaps. If a certain toy or other item is lacking, we can buy it,” said Weinbender.
Food items are not accepted, Weinbender suggest those should be donated to the food bank in Canora.
Getting involved in the toy drive has become an annual highlight for many Canora and are residents, including Weinbender.
“It’s great to be able to help out,” she said. “Receiving a toy can put a special sparkle in someone’s eye, especially for families who can’t afford to buy toys for Christmas when they’re struggling just to put food on the table.”
The goal set by organizers for the 2024 Yuletide Toy Drive is $6,000. The Red Apple Store has made a commitment to donate five per cent of all sales on Fill the Sleigh Day, Dec. 7, back to the Yuletide Toy Drive for further toy purchases.
Weinbender said that, thanks to the support of Canora and area residents for the 2023 Toy Drive, 15 families and a total of 67 children received toys and other gifts.
She emphasized that the personal information of those who receive gifts is kept confidential. “Definitely, gift wrappers only know the age of the child and what they like.”
Each year there are usually numerous volunteers eager to help out with the Toy Drive, whether it’s at Fill the Sleigh Day, or wrapping presents.
“Some people just love wrapping presents, and it’s also a great opportunity to catch up with other volunteers.”
Weinbender expects that the delivery of presents will take place on Dec. 19 and 20, “while the kids are still in school, so it’s more of a surprise.”
Anyone looking for more information, or to receive gifts, is encouraged to phone Jocelyn Weinbender at 306-563-5625.
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