The Royal Canadian Legion is building a mountain of toys to help out local families in need.
Learning that the Salvation Army in New West is in “dire need” of new unwrapped toys for Christmas, the local branch of the Legion has decided to support the Salvation Army as part of its annual Christmas Drive.
“Our volunteers are building a beautiful Santa sleigh to hold all of your donations,” said a notice about the campaign. “We are asking the whole community and neighbouring businesses to help make this season a little brighter.”
Michelle Lapre, operations manager of the Royal Canadian Legion #2, said the Salvation Army has requested assistance in getting donations of new, unwrapped toys for children aged zero to 16 years. Legion members are on board with the plan.
“We have already started a toy mountain on the Legion dance floor,” she said in an email to the Record. “We are encouraging anyone to help if they can.”
Donations can be dropped off at the Legion (631 Sixth St.) Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. The deadline to drop off toys at the Legion is noon on Friday, Dec. 10.
In addition, the Legion will be hosting a “drive-by and drop-off” from Monday, Dec. 6 to Saturday, Dec. 11 from 7 to 10 a.m. During those hours, volunteers will collect your donations – and send you off with a hot chocolate to go.
Along with supporting the Salvation Army, the New Westminster Legion is also continuing with its annual food drive. A suggested list of items needed includes: hot and cold cereals; canned and dry beans; canned tuna and chicken; canned vegetables, soups and stews; peanut butter and jelly; unsalted nuts; pasta and pasta sauces; coffee, tea and hot chocolate; apple sauce; cookies; broths (chicken, beef, vegetable) and stock; and rice and quinoa.
Donations of baby food, formula, diapers and pullups, as well as cash, are also appreciated.
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Email tmcmanus@newwestrecord.ca
