The Royal Canadian Legion and the Salvation Army in North Vancouver say their annual Christmas toy drive is facing a crisis, with only half the number of toys that were collected by this time last year even as the number of families in need continues to grow.
Stan Leschert of Legion Branch 118 was shocked when he brought the legions first truckload to the Sally Anns toy store.
Previous years theyve been doing pretty good, he said. Normally when we take the first load of toys down there, theres a fairly good stock in the toy store. I took the first load down on Sunday, and there was virtually nothing there. That one truckload really helped them out, but they could really use a shot in the arm.
Leschert said the members and patrons of the Veterans Way legion have been donating steadily as well as a number of North Shore businesses.
Capilano Suspension Bridge donated a good chunk of money for us and all the money out of their wishing wells. And weve had a couple of other businesses step up. One guy who wants to remain anonymous donated seven brand-new bikes, complete with helmets, and Canadian Tire supplied the locks for free. Within our little community its been good, but we need to get the word out to the general community on the North Shore.
Captain Glynden Cross of the Salvation Army said 40 North Shore families facing hard times have registered with him so far, a 20 per cent increase from this time last year. Meanwhile, donations have all but collapsed.
Its absolutely a crisis, he said. Whatever were not able to get coming through the door, we have to try and find funds to be able to go out and buy, because we dont want any kid to go without Christmas. Sometimes at the last minute some funds come in. Thats our hope, so someone can have a good Christmas morning.
The Salvation Army is accepting both toys and cash until Dec. 22. Cross said they usually end up with too many stuffed animals and not enough gifts for teenagers, particularly boys. Sporting equipment and music gift cards are great choices, he said.
Donations can be dropped off at three places: the Salvation Army at 105 West 12th Street, Legion Branch 118 at 123 Veterans Way (West 15th) or Legion Branch 114 at 1630 Lynn Valley Road.
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