Adam Prudhomme
Editor
A mountain of toys is slowly building in the lobby of Greater Napanee Emergency Services’ Napanee fire hall-and the bigger, the better.
There’s still room for plenty more as GNES looks to once again brighten the holidays of those in need. Members of the community are encouraged to drop off new unwrapped toys, non-perishable food items, socks or monetary donations to the hall at 66 Advance Ave. Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. until Dec. 17.
“This community has always been very giving,” said Kevin Duncan of GNES. “I’m always shocked by how much stuff we get. You ask and people deliver, we’re very fortunate. It makes it easy to do good in this town. The organization part is a little bit of work but getting things to help out whatever you’re doing, that’s not a difficult thing to do.”
Duncan says the toy drive is already off to a great start this season and could even top last year’s outstanding totals.
“We were so overwhelmed last year it was crazy,” said Duncan. “We didn’t need to shop at all, we had way more toys left over than I thought we were going to have.”
GNES will also once again be teaming with Napanee Denny’s for their famous Grand Slam Breakfast fundraising on Dec. 7, which kicks off at 7 a.m. Local fire fighters will be on hand to serve up $2.99 Grand Slams which will be sold in support of the toy drive. Guests will also have the option of dropping in a few dollars to help fill a boot. The popular fundraiser returns for a 10th year after pausing last year due to the pandemic.
Along with gifts, GNES will also be delivering food baskets to help families get through the winter. Duncan says they’re hoping to make up 40 to 50 baskets to be given out next month.