Toy drive hopes for repeat of miracle

Toy drive hopes for repeat of miracle. St. James Town Safety Committee members Everett Collrin, left, Gene Lara Kevin Moore are hoping their Toy Drive headquarters at 200 Wellesley Street will soon be filled with gifts for local children. Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

Last year, the downtown organization's toy drive found itself in dire straits with only a handful of toys to distribute to 1,000 children in the at-risk community.

Fortunately, once word got out about the organization's struggles, the generosity of Torontonians shone through, with thousands of gifts piling in from the GTA and beyond.

That allowed the Safety Committee to give presents not only to youngsters in St. James Town but to some 50 other organizations in at-risk communities across Toronto.

This year, the Safety Committee has already taken in and distributed roughly 1,000 toys to families, but still lag behind the demand for toys, which has doubled.

"We've had about 2,000 children register (to get a gift) and we've collected enough toys to look after about half of them," said Kevin Moore, St. James Town Safety Committee vice-chair. "The economy's a factor, but that's always an issue in St. James Town. About 40 per cent of the people here live below the poverty line."

The Safety Committee is looking for toys for boys and girls of all ages, but the need is greatest for baby toys and supplies and gifts for teens.

"We usually hand out gifts to anyone from newborn to 12 years old, but this year we've had some folks coming in with teenagers," said Safety Committee volunteer Everett Collrin. "We don't normally cater to (teens) but it hurts to have to say we don't have anything for them."

While the committee is still a long way from its goal, organizers and volunteers are optimistic they will reach their target, and even hope to collect an excess of toys so they can send some to the flood-ravaged Philippines.

"Whatever is left over, we'll send there," said Safety Committee chair Gene Lara. "They were hurt so badly by floods."

The committee is also accepting cash donations if people are unable to get out to shop for a gift during the busy holiday season. Between the generosity of individuals and the kindness of several larger organizations such as Peel Regional Police and the Salvation Army, there is a real sense of hope surrounding this year's toy drive.

"We had our miracle last year and I'm very confident we'll have it again this year," Collrin said. "Last year totally restored my spirit of Christmas."

The Safety Committee hopes to collect all gifts by Dec. 20, as their space is slated to be turned into a community hub beginning later this month.

Toys and other donations can be dropped off at or mailed care of the St. James Town Safety Committee to their temporary office at 200 Wellesley St. E., Toronto, ON, M4X 1G3. For more information, call 416-522-3452 or 416-934-0171.