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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, November 18, 2011 · 10 Toys for Tots rolling again The 12th annual Toys for Tots holiday campaign is under way. In partnership with Canadian Tire, the Salvation Army, the Mandarin Restaurant and Halton Honda, the Halton Regional Police Service launched the drive last week to collect gifts for Halton's less fortunate families. In an effort to surpass last year's record fund-raising total of $180,100 in cash and toys, organizers are challenging the community to take up the cause. Schools, businesses, organizations and even neighbourhoods are invited to get involved by collecting new, unwrapped toys, cash, gift cards or Canadian Tire money. Last year, the Burlington Lions Optimist Minor Hockey Association and Minor Oaks Hockey Association raised more than $30,000. Total donations meant that 3,000 families as identified by the Salvation Army were the recipients of the community's generosity in 2010. Each year, off duty uniform and civilian employees of Halton police, local businesses, schools and sports organizations donate their time and resources in support of Toys for Tots' continued success. Members of the public can drop off their donations of new unwrapped toys, Canadian Tire money or cash at any Halton police station, Metro supermarket or Canadian Tire outlet. Pick up of large collections can CHANTAL AYOTTE / OAKVILLE BEAVER be arranged by contacting the Toys for Tots hotline at 905-825-4747, ext. 4868 (4TOT) or e-mail ToysforTots@ CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: At this year's Toys for Tots launch, Constable haltonpolice.ca. Donations will continue to be accepted until Jody Wilson and Deputy Chief Andrew Fletcher listen as Mylie Taylor, 8, sings O Holy Night. Sunday, Dec. 16. Oakville firefighters delivering for kids In support of local charities, organizations and families, the Oakville Professional Firefighters Association (PFFA) has initiated its annual Christmas Toy Drive and is asking the community to donate toys for infants, children and teens during Oakville's Santa Claus Parade taking place in downtown Oakville on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 9 a.m. Christmas is the season for giving, and this is a great opportunity to help a local family in need. To donate, simply pick up a toy or gift certificate at any local retailer and bring it to Oakville's Santa Claus Parade. The parade will begin with the collection of donations by the Oakville Firefighters in their fire truck. While all toy donations are appreciated, gift cards for all major retailers are also welcome. The Oakville PFFA also stresses the need for toys for infants and young adolescents aged 14 and up, based on shortages for these age categories in previous years. For those who may be unable to attend the parade, donations will be accepted at any Oakville Fire Station until Dec. 22. "We are always grateful for the community's generosity," said Grant Lawson, Oakville PFFA Christmas Toy Drive chair. "I am honoured to be a part of something that helps make Christmas a special day for children in need and hope others will join me in supporting local charities and families." For more than 10 years, the Oakville PFFA has helped make a difference through the collection and distribution of toy donations. All donations are distributed to local families and agencies, including Kerr Street Ministries, The Salvation Army, Big Brothers, Big Sisters, Children's Aid Society, Fareshare Food Bank, Halton Society, Halton Women's Shelter and Oakville Parent-Child Centre. ALL-NEW SHOW WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA TorShow.com T 416-248-1168 JAN 19-22 LIVING ARTS CENTRE JAN 12-15 SONY CENTRE LivingArtsCentre.ca 1-888-805-8888 TorShow.com TicketMaster.ca T 416-248-1168 1-855-872-7669