Last year, when South Simcoe Police invited the communities of Innisfil and Bradford West Gwillimbury to “Stuff the Command Post” with toys, and help build CTV’s Toy Mountain, residents responded.
They donated approximately $32,000 in toys, gift cards and cash, for the families and children served by Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions (formerly the Children’s Aid Society).
This year, South Simcoe Police and CTV are partnering once again, asking the communities to be generous and donate to the toy drive, to ensure that every child experiences the joy and magic of the holiday season.
The campaign was launched at South Simcoe Police North Division on Monday, and Mother Nature added a festive touch, as large snowflakes fell.
“This is a really neat day,” said SSPS Deputy Chief Robin McElary-Downer, noting that it provides an opportunity for the police to partner with their communities to “actually give back.”
The back door of the Command Post was open, showing that the trailer is empty. South Simcoe Police hope to fill the trailer to overflowing this Friday and Saturday – accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys for kids of all ages, gift cards for teens and older children, or cash.
They will set up outside the Canadian Tire store in Alcona, 1455 Innisfil Beach Rd., from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday.
On Saturday, the Command Post will be in Bradford – at Walmart, 545 Holland St. W. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and then at the Bradford Canadian Tire Store, 430 Holland West, from 3 to 8 p.m.
Officers and Auxiliaries will be out at all three locations, accepting donations – and stuffing the Command Post.
McElary-Downer noted, “We live in such rich communities, Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil. They are so generous, they dig so deep - it brings tears to your eyes.”
