Ann Gardner, Anne Laury and Kathy Cook sorting donated toys. (left to right)
Organizers for the cancelled Toys for Tots event have been astonished by the generosity of the community. The event had to be cancelled just three days before the planned drive-thru on November 27th due to new provincial health orders.
Despite the event cancellation, more than 1,800 toys were dropped off at the Archway Food Bank and various drop-off locations at partnering businesses.
“We’re in awe at how supportive people have been even without an event to bring everyone together,” said event organizer Rebecca Thuro. “This year’s totals almost matched last year’s numbers and will help put something under the tree for over 1,500 children.”
$41,237 was raised, which included a matching $5,000 gift by an anonymous donor. The donations raised supports the Archway Food Bank – Christmas Bureau of Abbotsford which distribute gifts and Christmas dinners during the month of December.
“We especially want to thank our sponsors who continued supporting us even after the event was cancelled. Additionally, we’re so grateful for the volunteers and supporters who spread the news and gathered gifts to drop off,” said Thuro.
For those interested in contributing, Thuro says that gifts for teens are always in short supply along with a need for gifts for girls ages 8 to 12. Toys can be dropped off at the Food Bank and donations can be made online at AbbyToysforTots.com.
The Christmas Bureau, where parents can shop for presents, opened December 1st and will be open until December 21st. To register or for more information, visit abbotsfordfoodbank.com, email foodbank@archway.ca or call 604-859-7681 (ext. 32).
Raquel D. and her son with donations outside of the Clarion Hotel, which was one of the drop-off locations for toys.