PARKSVILLE – For eight years, the Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive in Parksville has made sure kids in Oceanside have something under the tree on Christmas morning.
The 2017 toy drive is Nov. 29 from 6 a.m to 10 a.m at the resort. In 2016, there were close to 1600 toys donated along with over $11,000 in gift cards, cash and cheques
Renate Sutherland, executive director of the Society of Organized Services said people who bring in donations from across the mid-Island, often use the event as a kick off to their holiday season.
“It truly creates Christmas magic,” she said. “It’s wonderful to see people really get into the spirit. The spirit of giving, the spirit of caring about your neighbour and other people in your community.”
The toy drive collects toys for toddlers to teenagers including dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals, books and electronics. Sutherland said she’s continually amazed by the thought put into toy donations every year.
“Little boys and girls that may not see anything under the tree for Christmas, for them to be able to get up in the morning and it’s something that they really, really wanted, is quite magical.”
daryl.major@jpbg.ca