New and unwrapped toys will be accepted during a drive-thru style event at the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE) on Thursday and Friday.
Due to the financial fallout of COVID-19, many Vancouver children will likely see fewer presents under the tree this year, the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau acknowledges.
Not only that, young family members will not be able to sit on Santa’s lap and be part of gatherings such as toy exchanges with non-immediate family members.
As such, the bureau is in considerable need of Christmas gifts to distribute to Metro Vancouver families.
Director Chris Bayliss added that "for a large portion of our donations we rely on events."
"Due to event cancellations, our toy volumes were down 50 to 70 per cent," he told Vancouver Is Awesome in a phone interview.
Anyone can make a monetary donation via tap or donate a new, unwrapped toy between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Nov. 12 and 13.
For those who donate during the drive, mini-doughnuts and coffee will be made available – courtesy of B.C. businessman Jim Pattison.
Tomorrow & Friday are the big days! Bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to deserving families on Thurs, Nov12 or Fri, Nov13 @PNE_Playland! Visit https://t.co/n3KVZB4QZP to book your free time-slot! Don't forget...FREE MINI DONUTS for those who donate! #vancouver #giving #lmcb pic.twitter.com/5ssoQkxYTv
— LMCB ChristmasBureau (@LMCBureau) November 11, 2020
COVID-19 health protocols in place
Health protocols are being followed to limit any potential COVID-19 spread, Bayliss said.
The Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau supports an average of 1,000 families annually and 40 other bureaus and agencies, shipping out more than 147,000 gifts to the people it supports.
Additionally, the organization distributes almost $70,000 in grocery gift cards to families.
So far, more than 400 people have booked their socially-distant appointment to drop off donations, Bayliss said.
To reserve a timeslot to donate, visit HERE.
