A table at the Point Edward fire hall is filled up with toys for this year’s Santa’s Responders toy drive.
A table at the Point Edward fire hall is filled up with toys for this year’s Santa’s Responders toy drive.
Advertisement 2
Article content
Article content
Article content
Now, the aim is to collect enough over the next two weeks to fill the village fire service’s rescue truck, said firefighter Gavin Burgess,
Village firefighters have been collecting new, unwrapped toys annually for about five years to deliver before Christmas to Bluewater Health and St. Clair Child and Youth Services.
“This is the earliest I think we’ve ever filled the table,” said Burgess, who’s leading the toy drive again this year. “It’s amazing.”
Along with the toys, there have been cash donations from residents and businesses, he said.
“We like to give back to the community,” Burgess said. “It’s a great way for us to be able to do that and support kids at Christmas. It’s tough times for everyone these days.”
Right after Remembrance Day, firefighters fanned out across the village to deliver flyers asking residents to consider donating again, Burgess said.
Advertisement 3
Article content
“We got the village covered in two nights,” he said. “Everyone in the department was pitching in.”
Toys and gifts for kids up to 18 can be dropped off at the fire hall, 220 Michigan Ave., Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm, until Dec. 13.
In particular, the drive is seeking gifts, such as gift cards, for older kids, Burgess said. “It’s always the hardest group.”
While most donors are village residents, the drive also attracts support from neighboring communities, Burgess said.
“We had someone from the United States who stopped in and dropped off toys earlier today,” he said Thursday.
“It’s really a community-driven toy drive,” Burgess said. “We’re just very grateful of the Village of Point Edward, the fire department and everyone for helping us out.”
Advertisement 4
Article content
On Saturday, Dec. 7, toys can be dropped off at the fire hall during Point Edward’s Christmas in the Village, 11 am to 3 pm The fire hall will be open and serving hot chocolate and cookies.
It’s part of holiday activities that day in Point Edward that include horse and buggy rides, a community hall visit by Santa and Mrs. Claus, a gingerbread competition, cookie decorating at St. Paul’s Church, a food drive and charity bake sale at Albert’s, ham and cheese sandwiches courtesy of the Optimists, crafts, hot cider and cookies at the library and more. A full list can be found online at villageofpointedward.com.
Toy deliveries to the hospital and St. Clair Child and Youth are set for Dec. 16.
“We get our Santa hats on,” Burgess said.
“They always have a group of people waiting to help us unload,” he said. “They’re always very grateful.”
Article content