Toys for Tots Brings Christmas to Children in Peel Region

by chrismcgregor
Categories: Divisional News
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A lot of children will receive Christmas presents this year thanks to an innovative partnership between Peel Regional Police and The Salvation Army.

Recently, the Peel Regional Police officially kicked off their annual toy drive called Toys for Tots, where The Salvation Army is the recipient of donated toys that are given to families so their child or children can wake up Christmas morning with presents under the tree.

In 2020, Toys for Tots placed a gift under the tree for nearly 10,000 children, which is a record for the campaign.

Children up to 14 years of age are eligible to receive gifts through Toys for Tots. To sign up, parents can call in Mississauga at 905-279-3941 or in Brampton by emailing bramptonchristmastoys@gmail.com.  Identification is required for every family member, along with income statements and proof of address.

“Some people might say ‘it’s just a toy’ but it makes a big difference to the families and the children that otherwise would not be so fortunate to get one. Our goal is to meet the needs of the Region and to make sure that every child gets a toy,” says Const. Jana Marchese, chair of the 2021 Toys for Tots campaign.

“This is a campaign that truly hits your heart and I feel privileged to be able to help with putting smiles on children’s faces this Christmas. We are looking forward to a more eventful year and hoping to make a lot of families and children happy this Christmas,” Const. Marchese says.

Glenn van Gulik, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations, The Salvation Army Ontario Division, says innovative partnership like this one with the Peel Region Police help our communities’ most vulnerable during times when hope is needed most.

“The Salvation Army is an innovative partner, and we are greatly appreciative of the Peel Regional Police for their Toys for Tots campaign because this initiative will bring smiles to children’s faces when they wake up Christmas morning,” says van Gulik.

“We look forward to partnering with Peel Regional Police for many years to come as we collectively work towards providing hope to individuals and families in the Peel Region.”

Any group or organization with more than 100 toys collected can arrange pickup by calling 905-453-2121 ext.4019.

In Peel Region, several Toys for Tots donor events are planned this holiday season where gifts can be dropped off. They include:

November 26, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Erin Mills Town Centre Black Friday Event

November 27, 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. – Brampton Minor Lacrosse League Game @ Brampton Memorial Arena, 69 Elliott St, Brampton

November 28 – Mississauga Steelheads Game vs. Kingston Frontenacs at the Paramount Fine Foods Centre, 5500 Rose Cherry Place, Mississauga

November 29, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. – Chalo Frescho & Coca Cola Christmas Event @ 10970 Airport Road, Brampton

December 5 – Breakfast with Santa @ Denny’s Diner, 40 Courtney Park Drive East, Mississauga

December 12- Breakfast with Santa @ Wimpy’s Diner, 10178 Hurontario Street, Brampton.

Const. Marchese says she believes the demand for toys this year will be higher than in previous campaigns. Donations can be made online at https://donate.salvationarmy.ca/page/69024/donate/1.

You can donate to The Salvation Army at SalvationArmy.ca or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY