Alison Douglas (left), owner of The Children's Treehouse, with Carolyn Iles (right) of the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive. (submitted/Tracy Berg)

By Spencer Sterritt

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Great Nanaimo Toy Drive kicks off to help families put presents under the Christmas tree

Nov 4, 2020 | 12:10 PM

NANAIMO — The COVID-19 pandemic won’t stop the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive from helping families in need at Christmas time.

Carolyn Iles, a board member with the annual event, said it’s more important than ever to have presents under the tree on Dec. 25.

“Often times we forget children are grounded by tradition. Christmas is a tradition that helps them have a sense of safety and normalcy in their life.”

Iles said she believes the need this Christmas will increase but is unsure by how much.

The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive consistently helps 1,200 children from 600 families.

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“Statistics over the years have been fairly steady of one-in-five children living in poverty, meaning food and rent come before other things. At this time of Christmas, it’s great when we as a community can give people a little bit of help and a little bit of hope that things can get better.”

Donations of toys are dropped off in collection bins across the city and sorted by a large team of volunteers at a warehouse.

This year, some volunteers get to act as Santa Claus and actually pick toys for children.

Due to social distancing requirements, parents aren’t allowed to come and select the toy for their children. Instead, they’ll list suggestions when registering for the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive and volunteers will try to find a perfect match.

This year, the toys most in need are games, books, gift cards and stocking stuffers. Stuffed animals or used toys won’t be accepted this year.

Donation drop-off bins are placed in Nanaimo North Town Centre, Woodgrove Centre, Country Club Centre as well as Coast Community Credit Unions and Save-on-Foods locations.

Phone in registration for families begins on Nov. 16 at (250) 323-3076.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt