Kinsmen Toy Drive now underway
Posted By DAVE FLAHERTY, LINDSAY POST REPORTER
Posted 2 months ago
One of the first indications of the Christmas spirit in the City of Kawartha Lakes is upon us as the 62nd annual Kinsmen Club Toy Drive begins today.
Starting today, barrel delivery will commence as well as an advertising campaign to promote the donation of new toys.
Toy Drive chair Kenny Lusted told The Lindsay Post that last year's was a huge success, with more than 800 area children receiving toys.
While Lusted said he hopes fewer children will be in that position this year, he is confident the community and volunteers will be able to support the Toy Drive regardless.
"We are ready for anything," Lusted said.
Barrels will be distributed to roughly 35 businesses and schools throughout the community, Lusted said.
Lusted said despite the Toy Drive being run by the Kinsmen Club of Lindsay, toys are sent to children across the entire City of Kawartha Lakes.
While explaining the community does a great job donating new toys, Lusted said they are hoping to get a good amount of toys suited for newborns to toddlers and children ages seven to 11 this year.
The history of the Toy Drive goes back to 1947 when a need for toys was recognized by local Kinsmen members for children who may not otherwise receive any at Christmas.
In response, the Toy Drive was born as Kinsmen members collected gently used and broken toys that were repaired and distributed to area children.
Over the years, the project evolved to the point it is at today, where barrels are given to local merchants, schools and businesses for the collection of donated unwrapped toys.
New this year, Kinsmen members will be in attendance at the three Santa Claus Parades in the city, Sunday, Nov. 22 in Lindsay, Saturday, Nov. 28 in Fenelon Falls and Saturday, Dec. 12 in Bobcaygeon.
As is the yearly tradition, the Toy Drive "Toy Mountain" will take place at the Lindsay Square Mall on Friday, Dec. 18.
For more information on the Toy Drive contact Lusted at 928-6250.
Any requests for deliveries should be directed through the Ontario Works at 324-3594.
dflaherty@thepost.ca
