The annual Parry Sound District EMS Toy Drive will get underway this month.
Usually, ambulances would cruise around town to pick the toys up, but Jason Preddie says that’s not happening this time around. “This year we’re unable to collect the toys,” he tells the MyParrySoundNow.com newsroom. “We’re asking residents to give monetary gifts or gift cards.” When the team collects them, Preddie says they will do the shopping themselves based on a list they’ve put together.
“This year is going to be tough,” he says. “We feel there’s going to be more people in need this year.”
Last year, $21,000 was raised and 1,200 toys were dropped off. Since starting the toy drive in 2006, over $180,000 has been raised by the community. “The residents of Parry Sound are always amazing when it comes to helping out other people,” Preddie says. “I have no worries we’ll do well again this year.”
A booth will be set-up at Canadian Tire to collect some of the cash and gift cards and volunteers will be at Wal-Mart on November 26th and 27th to do the same.
Preddie says you can also drop-off cheques. Make sure it’s addressed to the Parry Sound District EMS Toy Drive and e-transfers can be sent to [email protected]. If you did buy toys, Preddie says they can be dropped off at the ambulance base at 99 Bowes Steet between Monday and Friday, or you can call him at 705-774-8494 and he will pick the toys up himself.