Toys for Tots Christmas Campaign Underway in Halton

Published November 15, 2017 at 6:28 pm

An annual campaign providing toys for less fortunate families in Halton Region has officially begun.

An annual campaign providing toys for less fortunate families in Halton Region has officially begun.

The Toys for Tots campaign kicked off at the Canadian Tire store at Burlington Mall on Wednesday.

Halton police are partnering with Canadian Tire, the Salvation Army, Mandarin Restaurant and Halton Honda in efforts to collect and distribute toys in time for Christmas.

The Toys for Tots program raised more than $248,810 in toys, gift cards, cash and food for 4,350 local families in need in 2016.

In an effort to exceed last year’s record fundraising total, organizers of this year’s campaign are challenging residents to take Toys for Tots to your school, workplace, neighbourhood or organization (you can participate by collecting new, unwrapped toys, cash, gift cards for teens or Canadian Tire money).

Previous donors were invited to the event, including the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association (BLOMHA) which raised more than $60,000 in toys for the 2016 campaign.

Halton’s honourary officers, wrestling living legends and humanitarians, Tiger Jeet Singh and Tiger Jeet Singh Jr. of Milton were on hand for the festivities.

Members of the public are invited to make their donation of new, unwrapped toys, Canadian Tire money, cash or gift cards at any Canadian Tire location in Halton Region or any Halton Regional Police station starting today until Sunday, Dec. 10.

Here’s a list of gift ideas for children and teens ages 10 to 16:

Gift cards in $20 and $25 denominations for popular malls and places such as Walmart, Chapters/Indigo, Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza, Shopper’s Drug Mart, Movie theatres, Apple Music Store are appreciated.

School supplies, such as pens, paper, teen backpacks, and zipper binders are on the list.

Electronics: MP3 players and iPods are always popular.

So is sports equipment, including soccer balls, basketballs, etc.

Clothing, from socks, underwear, white T-shirts and pajamas (in youth medium/large and adult small sizes) are a hit.

Jewelry (earrings, bracelets, necklaces), make-up (eye shadow, lipstick, mascara, nail polish) and hair accessories (straighteners, blow dryers, hair clips, barrettes, and hair bands) are desired.

Personal hygiene items round out the list, and can range from gift baskets of soaps, sprays, perfumes, shampoo, conditioner, to hairspray or gel.

Phone Const. Steve Elms at 905-825-4747 ext. 4868 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

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