‘Tis the season to consider picking up a few extra toys for local families in need

Now in it's 22nd year, the County of Simcoe Paramedic Services Toy and Food Drive is hoping to help families right here in the region, with the demand greater than ever.

"We are seeing all across the County of Simcoe, the need for food and for toys. Financial insecurity is a reality at this point and time” says Kim Oxley, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services public access defibrillation program coordinator.

“We’ve been doing this locally in each individual community and what’s cool about this toy drive, is we keep the toys in the community they’re collected. So if they’re collected in Elmvale, they stay in Elmvale. If they’re collected in Barrie, they stay in Barrie area”, added Oxley.

Thanks to the generosity of the public, over 120-thousand toys, 66-thousand pounds of food and $267,800 in monetary and gift card donations for families in need across the county have been gathered in the last 21 years.

“Today, County of Simcoe Paramedic Services kicked off their annual Food and Toy Drive, a testament to the enduring generosity of our community”, said County of Simcoe Warden Basil Clarke.

“This initiative not only brings joy to those in need during the holiday season, but it also showcases the giving spirit of our residents, businesses and organizations. I encourage all residents to help spread kindness and generosity this holiday season as together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our neighbours.”

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations on the dates listed below, at the Midhurst administration building until Dec.20. The County of Simcoe Administration Centre is located at 1110 Highway 26 in Midhurst and is open between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Alternatively, drop-offs can be made at County of Simcoe Paramedic Stations, where outdoor drop boxes are available:

• Alliston - 6933 Industrial Parkway
• Angus - 1 Tree Top Street
• Barrie Simcoe Emergency Services Campus - 110 Fairview Drive
• Barrie North - 667 Bayfield Street
• Barrie Tiffin - 113 Tiffin Street
• Beeton - 51 Main Street East
• Bradford – 480 Miller Park Avenue
• Coldwater - 1 Firehall Lane
• Collingwood - 169 St. Paul Street
• Craighurst - 2298 Horseshoe Valley Road
• Elmvale - 17 Allenwood Road
• Midland - 395 Cranston Crescent
• Orillia - 68 West Street
• Penetanguishene - 10 Robert Street West
• Stayner - 6993 Highway 26
• Stroud - 2394 Victoria Street West
• Wasaga Beach - 23 Oxbow Park Road
• Washago - 401 Anchor Drive

In addition to the above, many locations across the county will also be accepting donations. Pop-up collection points may be in a community near you, including the following:

Fri., Nov. 15

• Collingwood Walmart ~ 6 to 9 p.m.

Sat., Nov. 16

• Angus Santa Claus Parade ~ 10 to 11 a.m.
• Alliston Santa Claus Parade ~ 6 to 7 p.m.
• Bradford Santa Claus Parade ~ 6 to 7 p.m.
• Barrie Santa Claus Parade ~ 5 to 7 p.m.
• Collingwood Santa Claus Parade ~ 5 to 7 p.m.
• Collingwood Walmart ~ 6 to 9 p.m.

Sun., Nov. 17

• Giant Tiger Angus ~ 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Check here for an up-to-date list.