• The Lions Club of Stouffville is just days away from launching its 30th annual Toy Drive.
  • The initiative is one of the Club’s largest campaigns of the year, with all donations benefiting local children.
  • Those seeking gift assistance this holiday season can visit the Lions’ Facebook page starting Dec. 1 to access the application form.
  • Donation bins will be available beginning Nov. 20 at the Town’s Municipal Offices, the Fire Hall, and various local businesses.
  • Residents can drop off donations until Dec. 18. Volunteers will then sort and distribute the items to families in need.
  • Toys must be new and unwrapped, and cash and gift card donations are also encouraged.
  • Community members interested in volunteering can find details and apply via the Lions’ online form.

 

Now estimated to be in its 30th year, the Lions Club Toy Drive has become a holiday tradition in Stouffville.

Bullet Point News spoke with Lion Karpagam Durairajan, who co-chairs the 2024 Toy Drive committee with Lion Valentina Nikolajew. Durairajan anticipates an increase in demand this year, preparing to support more than 60 families and as many as 200 children.

“Out of the many projects conducted by the Lions Club of Stouffville, the Toy Drive is one of our biggest initiatives,” Durairajan said. “It directly impacts so many people living in our community, with all the toys and donations received staying within the town.”

The program provides holiday gifts for local children, from newborns to 18 year-olds. For Stouffville families in need of such assistance, an online request form will be posted on the Lions Club’s social media accounts beginning Dec. 1.

Forms must be submitted electronically by Dec. 10, and a Lions Club member will make a verification phone call to all applicants. Proof of address and birth certificates will be requested as part of verification.

The Club is also seeking volunteers to help organize and pack donated toys. Sorting sessions will begin Dec. 5 and are open to residents ages 12 and older. An online form to apply is available here, and high school students can earn volunteer hours for their participation.

“These are huge events, and I have been amazed by how it is done and how much work is happening behind the scenes,” Durairajan said of the volunteer gatherings. “We sort for almost the entire month of December, and we are totally reliant on local volunteers.”

Bullet Point News also spoke with Lion Kim Stark, the past committee chair who is now in her 12th year of involvement with the Toy Drive. Reflecting on her history with the program, she shared highlights and stories of the impact it has made.

“One story that melts my heart involved a young family with a little boy who was in need of a new pair of boots. He came in wearing a size four, and the boots he left in were a size two,” Stark recalled. “He ran from one end of the hall to the other yelling, ‘Mom, I can run!’ The smile on his face was from ear to ear.”

When applying, recipients are asked to provide a wishlist, which the Lions strive to fulfill as closely as possible. Everyone receives the same-sized box, which is “filled to the brim,” according to Stark. “We pride ourselves on accommodating wishlists, so we encourage applicants to be as detailed as possible.”

Donors can also contribute gift cards instead of toys, with preference given to cards of lower values to ensure more families can benefit. Cash donations are also welcomed and are used to fill gaps when toy donations don’t align with wishlist requests. These funds also help provide age-appropriate gifts for older children, as many donated toys are aimed at younger kids.

The Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville has been a long-time supporter of the Toy Drive and hosts a donation bin at the Municipal Offices at 111 Sandiford Drive. Donations can also be dropped off at the Fire Hall at 100 Weldon Road.

Additional donation bins will be placed at a variety of businesses throughout Stouffville. A complete list of locations will be shared on the Lions’ Facebook page next week. Any businesses, organizations, or schools interested in hosting their own toy drives in support of the program can email stouffvillelions@gmail.com to coordinate efforts.

“We’ve seen people we supported for a few years come back as donors, sponsors, or volunteers,” Stark said. “They remember how they felt, they were so grateful for the support from their neighbours, and they want to give back.”

*Cover image by Isaac Martin on Unsplash