It's a great excuse to clear those old toys out and make room for the much-anticipated new ones coming with the arrival of Santa.
The 21st annual REAPS Recycle Toy Drive drop-off takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1950 Gorse St. with donations of good quality, gently used toys being distributed to 14 children's organizations.
Terri McClymont, executive director of the Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS), just got 200 empty boxes donated to the cause from Walmart and those cardboard crates are waiting to be filled with new-to-you treasures that will delight those youngsters in need throughout the community. Recipients include group homes as well as non-profits who help families and children in need.
Last year, they had about 187 boxes filled with donations and in the recent years the toy drive saw as many as 265 boxes donated.
"I still need a couple of volunteers, we've got four signed up to help throughout the day," McClymont said. "We help empty people's cars as they drive up and then we sort the items by age. We accept donations for newborns all the way up to the age of 18 - they like books, CDs, games, especially X-Box and Wii games and for the little ones we take bassinets and other necessities, as well. Always welcome are bigger items like toy kitchens and doll houses and buggies and if all the parts are there and the item is in good working condition then that's great. That way we don't have to recycle anything the other way."
This event is a great way to encourage children to be community-minded. McClymont said she sees many families come in so children can donate their toys themselves.
"They're so proud of themselves that they're donating to other children," McClymont said. "They're always excited about that. And the parents are always smiling because they're getting rid of stuff."
REAPS is also accepting donations for the local branches of the SPCA and the Humane Society. If people donate stuffed animals that are not quite up to the standard to be donated to the intended two-legged recipients, the four-legged recipients are always happy to get them instead.
To volunteer or for more information call 250-561-7327.
