It's time to get ready for Christmas and part of that for a typical Prince George family might be to make room for new toys coming to all those good little girls and boys.
There's no better way than to re-gift quality used toys to those in need during the 19th annual Recycle Toy Drive on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the REAPS garden, 1950 Gorse St.
"We're looking for those items children are no longer using like books, games, CDs, DVDs, toys, Lego, Play-Doh, crayons, colouring books - all those fun things," said Terri McClymont, executive director for Prince George's Recycling and Environmental Action Planning Society (REAPS).
There are 13 community agencies who have requested donations for the people that utilize their services. There are group homes as well as non-profits who help families and children in need.
"Target age is babies to 19 years old as we have a number of group homes and that's why the DVDs, CDs, and games really work well and also stuffed toys, as long as they are in good condition," said McClymont.
"There are some agencies that like to give stuffed toys to children who are removed from their homes or are coming off the street. It's something for them to cuddle."
In addition to accepting gently-used toys, REAPS is also taking donations for the local branches of the SPCA and the Humane Society. Both organizations are looking for good quality food, chew toys for cats and dogs, harnesses, pet crates, cleaning supplies and garbage bags. Even old towels and blankets to be turned into cleaning rags would be appreciated.
Those are all great things to donate to the animal advocates, added McClymont.
"I can't believe we've been doing this for 19 years," said McClymont about the Recycle Toy Drive. "Last year we had 189 boxes and in other years we've had more than 300 boxes of toys donated and that keeps materials out of the landfill, too. So it does make a big difference."
All the toys collected are grouped together based on the needs of each organization, then the five volunteers box and label the items and deliver them, McClymont added.
"I have Santa's helpers deliver the boxes to the agencies on Monday, Nov. 23," said McClymont. That gives the organizations lots of time to distribute the donations before Christmas.
"This event kicks off the Christmas season and you can't help but get in the mood - it's so wonderful," said McClymont.
"And on the day when we drop off the boxes and we see the reaction of the agencies' staff it's just great to see their appreciation for the community's donations. So I have to say a great big heartfelt thank you to Prince George."
