KILLALOE – Community Resource Centre (CRC) Executive Director Bil Smith announced the start of the annual toy drive on November 13.
Last year, Smith said, the CRC gave presents to 260 kids in the area that the Toy Bus serves; Whitney, Palmer Rapids, Combermere, Barry’s Bay, Round Lake, Killaloe and Eganville. That is 10 per cent more children than last year.
The Toy Bus operates out of the CRC office in Killaloe.
“We collect new and gently used toys from the community… We turn them around and give them to kids in the community,” Smith said.
To receive a present makes all the difference to a young child, said Smith. Each year, new families enter the program and each year the need increases.
“It’s a really difficult time for people. It’s really expensive at this time of year. People have to buy their wood, fill their propane or oil tank, put winter tires on. There’s just not enough money to go around at this time of year.”
Parents can telephone the CRC to register their child, 613-757-3108.
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