Adam Prudhomme
Editor
Greater Napanee Emergency Services is once again hosting its annual toy drive at Station 1, located at 66 Advance Ave.
New unwrapped toys and clothing can be dropped off any time from now until Dec. 16 between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
GNES fire prevention officer Kevin Duncan says aside from a few minor changes due to COVID-19, the toy drive will operate just as it has in previous years.
“There’s departments across the province that have stopped their toy drive but I don’t see the point of that,” said Duncan. “I don’t think that we can stop, we have to continue on with it. We’ve made some changes but there’s still the need out there. Despite the CERB payments and everything else, there’s still going to be some families this year that will be in need.”
When someone drops off a toy in the station’s foyer, there is zero contact with another person. The donated items can then be left to sit for a few days before another person handles them.
“Any toys will be greatly accepted,” said Duncan. “Clothing as well, if people want to buy new clothing and socks then absolutely. The only thing with toys and clothes, especially this year, they’re going to have to be new.”
Working with local agencies, the GNES Toy Drive usually supports around 75 kids in need a year.
“I don’t see any reason we can’t do the same numbers that we did last year for support,” said Duncan. “I didn’t do as much fundraising as I would have liked to do this year, but corporately people have stepped up so we’ve been very fortunate that way. I think financially we’re in a good position to continue with the program as we have in the past.”
One of those corporations to step up to fill the gap was Belleville’s Tire Wizard. Chad Guziewicz stopped by the station on Monday to deliver $1,000 worth of toys.