Three toy drives are coming to Cloverdale’s Hillcrest Shopping Centre.
Jen Temple, centre manager, is hoping many in the community come out to support the donation drives. All three will support the Cloverdale Community Kitchen’s Christmas Hamper Program. The hamper program provides toys, gifts, and food to needy families.
“Christmas is a tough time for many people, especially now with the cost of living,” said Temple, who is also a member of the hamper program’s organizing committee. “More and more people are in need. Our hope this Christmas is to bring a little extra joy to the kids, teens, and seniors this holiday season.”
Temple said every little bit helps and 100 per cent of everything donated will go to help the less fortunate this Christmas. She said they’ll be taking monetary donations as well, with any donation over $20 getting a charitable tax receipt.
The first toy drive will take place Dec. 1 with the District 4 RCMP. The goal is to “pack the PC” and a police cruiser will be on hand that Friday night from 4 - 7 p.m. for the public to fill with toys.
The next two drives will be held Thursday, Dec. 7, from 4 - 8 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 9, all day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those two toy drives are being hosted by Annie Christiaens, owner of the Heart in Cloverdale, and Nick Moschonas, from Eclipse Creations Contracting Ltd.
Christiaens and Moschonas held a drive at Hillcrest last year where, over two days, they collected more than 1,000 toys and took in north of $3,000 in both gift cards and cash. The gift cards and cash went to support about 65 teenagers. The drive also raised food, diapers and other household items that were given to the Cloverdale Community Kitchen.
“On Dec. 7 and 9, we want to fill a 5-tonne truck,” added Temple.
SEE ALSO: Toy drive fills five-ton cube van
Temple said this year the hamper program will support more teenagers, children, and seniors than ever. The biggest increase from last holiday season being in the teenager category.
“With one week to go, I suspect we will see higher numbers than last year,” Temple said. “The need is so great.”
She said they already have 600 kids aged 0-11, 300 teenagers aged 12-18, and 120 seniors registered. Registration for the hamper program will remain open until Dec. 1 and Temple expects those numbers to increase by another 100 or more.
“Our big ask is teen gift cards to either Willowbrook or Guildford Mall or a Happy Teen (gift card),” she said.
The Community Kitchen will give out the hampers on Dec. 16.
“If you still want to donate but can’t make it to the toy drives, please drop off (donations) at Pacific Community Church,”
Temple added.
The Cloverdale Community Kitchen is located within the Pacific Community Church building at 5337 180th Street in Cloverdale. Visit mycck.ca for more info on the Kitchen or the hamper program.