The Salvation Army says a record number of families have signed up for children’s gifts this season, as many struggle with the rising cost of living.
Every year, the organization collects donated new toys for families who can’t afford to buy them, and CHEK helps out with a drive-through drop-off and telethon fundraiser, scheduled for this Friday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the media outlet’s headquarters on Kings Road.
David Hickman, a core officer with the Salvation Army’s Connection Point Church and Resource Centre, said Tuesday that more than 2,500 households have registered for new toys. Hundreds more are in need in the Nanaimo area, he said.
It’s the 31st year that CHEK has hosted a drop-off for unwrapped toys and cash donations. Last year, the event raised more than $70,000 and collected 3,000 toys for families in need.
To ensure toys are delivered to CHEK and the Salvation Army, anyone who has purchased a toy but can’t make it to the CHEK event can call the office of local courier company Maximum Express and set up a pick-up time.
Last week, Maximum Express owner Al Hasham also started a free service to deliver cheques to charities and non-profits as the postal strike dragged into a second week.
Hasham said delivering toys to CHEK and funds to charities that provide food and services to those in greatest need is a way to pay back a community that supports his business through the rest of the year.
As for toy donations, Hickman said some of the greatest need is for toys for children ages nine to 12. He said Lego and Playmobile are popular, and skateboards and sporting goods like hockey sticks and basketballs are great ways to keep kids active.
Kids also like craft kits, science and technology toys and “anything educational,” he said.
Hickman said ensuring parents can give their children toys helps build resilience in families.
“The toys flow from the hands of generous people into ours and then the parents to children. It’s moments like these that create happy memories for children.”
Lindsay Nielsen, creative services manager at CHEK, said 25 corporate donors who set up toy boxes in their businesses will also deliver toys to the drive-through.
The station will also have a dozen telephone operators — current and former staff members — to take donations over the phone.
Nielsen said money raised will go toward Christmas hampers that contain food, toys, stocking stuffers and other goodies for families in need.
After all the donations are collected, toys will be taken to various Salvation Army locations, where registered families will be able to “shop” for their children.
Toy and cash donations can be dropped off at CHEK studios, West Shore Parks and Recreation Centre and Steve Marshall Ford in Nanaimo on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.
To reach Maximum Express for pickups and deliveries, call dispatch at 250-721-3278 or email [email protected].
