By Daryl Major

Parksville toy drive fuels Christmas spirit

Nov 28, 2017 | 4:54 PM

PARKSVILLE – The massive Tigh-Na-Mara Toy Drive hopes no child goes without a gift this Christmas.

The eighth annual toy drive is Nov. 29 from 6 to 10 a.m. at the Parksville resort. Last year, it collected close to 1,600 toys and 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 act of charity to kickoff 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.”

Sutherland said she’s continually amazed by the thought put into the donated gifts every year, from dolls to stuffed animals and books.

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“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