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Heroes in many ways, Paramedic Toy Drive saves Christmas for local families

December 1, 2017   ·   0 Comments

By Wendy Gabrek

County of Simcoe Paramedic Services kicked off the 15th annual Toy Drive on November 17.

The Toy Drive benefits local children and families during the holiday season. Donations of new, unwrapped toys will be accepted at various locations and parades across Simcoe County until December 18.

During the last 14 years, the Toy Drive has collected 67,000 toys, 20,000 pounds of food, and approximately $126,000 in monetary and gift card donations for families across Simcoe County.

“We look forward to another successful Toy Drive as we make Christmas special for so many of the children and families in need in our communities,” said Warden Gerry Marshall. “I can’t thank our Paramedics enough for volunteering their time and organizing the Toy Drive for the past 14 years and of course our generous residents and businesses that continue to support this important community initiative.”

All Toy Drive donations are distributed to local children and families in need by charitable organizations working in partnership with Simcoe County Paramedic Services.

Residents are asked for their continued generosity and support in helping those most in need in our region.

Donations can be made at the County of Simcoe Administration Centre, 1110 Highway 26 in Midhurst between 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and at all Simcoe County Paramedic stations, where outdoor drop boxes are now available (please do not leave monetary donations in drop boxes – only non-perishable food items and new, unwrapped toys).

The Simcoe County Museum has also set up a Giving Tree as part of their new “All I Wanted for Christmas” Exhibit.

Visitors are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy to place under the tree in support of the Toy Drive. In New Tecumseth, Simcoe County Paramedic stations are located: Alliston – 6933 Industrial Parkway; and Beeton – 51 Main Street East.

Upcoming collection events: December 2 – Beeton Santa Claus Parade at 3 p.m., followed by beeton Foodland from 3:30–5 p.m.; December 7 – Alliston Zehrs 3–7 p.m.

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