By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

Giving season begins with Great Nanaimo Toy Drive

Nov 16, 2017 | 3:30 PM

NANAIMO — For the 35th year, Nanaimo’s generous Christmas spirit is being put on display.

The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive campaign kicked off Thursday, Nov. 16 at Woodgrove Mall. Gift donation boxes are now all around the city in malls, fire halls and other locations, ready to be filled with unwrapped gifts for families in need.

Toy Drive spokesperson Carolyn Iles said while presents and gifts are an important part of Christmas for children, the campaign gives something more important for everyone.

“We not only provide toys for children but (also) hope, hope for people that this year will be okay and maybe next year will be better.”

Iles said there’s roughly 500 families and 1,400 children who will use the service this year. It’s a slight dip from previous years, which she said may be due to help from other services or changing demographics in Nanaimo.

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Nonetheless, Iles said the service is still greatly needed around the holidays, which can be an emotional time for families.

“I think some of the most emotional (experiences) are the people who’ve recently had an economic crisis, or their life situation has changed. The single parents, who find themselves with children and the holiday season is approaching with no money, are absolutely blown away not only that they get to receive a present but they get to choose a present for their children.”

She said being able to find a gift to match the children, rather than getting a random, pre-selected gift, makes it feel more like Christmas.

Families can register for the Toy Drive at Nanaimo Loaves and Fishes from Nov. 20 to Dec. 2 and at University Plaza from Dec. 4 to 9. They’ll receive a card with the address of where to pick up their gifts on Dec. 18 and 19.

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