The donations have been great.
But the need has been greater.
Ottawa’s Toy Mountain campaign is facing its most severe shortfall in years. The Salvation Army’s central toy distribution warehouse – where all donations are collected, sorted and distributed to families – is alarmingly empty. “I’ve never seen, and I’ve been doing this ten years, where our tables are empty like this,” says Kristine Farnel, Co-ordinator of Program Support.
As fast as toys are brought in, they’re sent out again. The Salvation Army expects to help 16,000 children in the Ottawa area this year. They haven’t had to turn anyone away… yet. But with stockpiles so low, that could start by early next week.
“Are we worried? Yes,” says Farnel.
That would leave an empty space under a lot of Christmas trees. One young mom, who asked to not be identified, said she relies on Toy Mountain to augment her fixed income because of a disability. "It makes a huge difference,” she says. “ It just means that there's toys under the tree for my daughter. She still believes in Santa, so she has that opportunity to still have that belief in Santa. And it means that I can still put food on the table and pay my rent."
This weekend is a critical time for Toy Mountain. Bell Media personalities will be out in full force at drop-off sites across the City. They will gladly accept any new, unwrapped toy for boys and girls up to 12 years of age. They will also accept cash if that is easier. “Right now, with our tables being so empty, we’d just be thankful for anything,” adds Fornel.
Click here to find out where and when you can help.
