A 45-year community tradition is ramping up for another season.
Barrie and District Christmas Cheer will officially launch its 2019 toy drive on Saturday, Nov. 16.
Executive director Leah Wells says that after all these years, it has become a well-oiled machine.
“We have an incredible board and volunteers, so it really does run like clockwork," she told BarrieToday.
The financial goal is remaining the same as last year at $250,000. That is what is needed, in cash, over and above the food and toy donations.
“We have kept the goal consistent over the last three years," Wells said. "That is the amount we require to service the community need."
The numbers have been consistent also.
"Last year, we served 1,650 families, which works out to about 4,500 to 5,000," Wells added. "That includes Barrie, Essa, Innisfil and Angus. We anticipate similar numbers for this holiday season.”
One change this year is a new organization logo. It shows a Christmas tree made up of helping hands.
“This was voted on and selected by the community," Wells said. "The public is such a huge part of our organization, so we wanted to give them a say in choosing our logo.”
The other change in the last few years is the number of donations made online, because of the convenience.
“We still get a lot of people who enjoy purchasing a gift for someone in need and then either dropping it in one of our donation boxes or bringing it to the warehouse at 364 St. Vincent St.," Wells said of the Barrie location. "There is still something to be said for that personal touch.”
Traditionally, it's difficult to fill the need for items for infants and boys and girls in the nine- to 10-year-old range.
There will also be an open call for volunteers in the next couple of weeks. Applications for assistance will be accepted later in November and pick up and deliveries take place Dec. 19 and 20.
Wells says the most welcomed gift is cash. And there’s a specific reason for that.
“We can actually make the money go further, because we can negotiate some big discounts with our food and toy vendors," she said.
Barrie and District Christmas Cheer accept cash, food and toys.
The official launch will be Saturday, Nov. 16 at 9:30 a.m. at Georgian Mall in Barrie.
