Ready to spread some joy as Christmas toy and food drives launch in Cambridge

To get into the spirit of giving this coming holiday season, many local agencies and organizations are already accepting donations to local food and toy drives in Cambridge.

Registration for families who need a helping hand during the holidays this year is already filling up according to the Waterloo Region Christmas Support Network.

The Christmas Support Network includes a group of organizations in Waterloo region that connects community members to local supports over the Christmas season. These organizations provide families with toys, and food for a holiday meal.

In Cambridge, toys are provided by the Cambridge Salvation Army and food is distributed by the Cambridge Food Bank and the Cambridge Firefighters Basket fund.

The Society of St Vincent de Paul supports families across Waterloo Region.

“Last year, 2,400 children received gifts and this year, we anticipate more,” said Captain Danette Woods, from the Salvation Army in Cambridge.

The Salvation Army is accepting donations of unwrapped toys, Mondays to Thursdays, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., at 12 Shade St., in Cambridge, right up until Christmas.

“We start early because we have so many people. Whatever might come in last minute, that will go towards our start for next year, and we can have toys already in place,” Woods said.

People and families in need, can register here.

Anyone in need of food support, can call the Food Assistance line at 519-743-5576 ext. 340.

Christmas is a time when many are in need and The Salvation Army Kettle fundraiser is another way to help those most vulnerable in the community.

All funds raised from the kettle fundraiser support Salvation Army Community & Family Services to supply food and toys to those in need.

“Our first kettles were out on Friday,” Woods said.

“The need is so great, and we just want to be able to do whatever we can to help.”

Langs in Cambridge is also accepting donations of unwrapped toys for its annual ‘Giving Tree.”

The neighbourhood-based organization, provides comprehensive health, social and recreational services in the community including food support, a community health centre, as well as children’s and seniors programming

“Our 'Giving Tree' has been happening here for many years at Langs. We are accepting donations up until Dec. 2,” said Darcy Edwards, communications and special events coordinator at Langs.

“This is a way to help support our patients and participants. Typically, these are working families who might be struggling to makes ends meet and could use a little extra help around the holidays. We support about 40 families, so that’s about 150 people.”

Edwards says local organizations also help with donations to the 'Giving Tree.'

"We received donations of brand-new winter coats through the Knights of Columbus. They drop off over 100 coats to us every year,” Edwards said.

“Molloy’s Bulk Refill and Soap Supply in Cambridge sells a lot of personal hygiene items. They put a Christmas tree up in our name. So, if I were to purchase a bar of soap for someone on the tree, they will match that.”

Anyone who would like to donate, can email [email protected] or call (519) 653-1470 ext. 348.

Domino’s Pizza will also be launching its annual Christmas Toy Drive starting in December. Customers in Cambridge who donate to the toy drive will receive a gift certificate.

People can donate new, unwrapped toys or pyjamas for children. Items collected will be distributed to children by the Salvation Army.

People can also make a donation at the Cambridge Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, Nov. 19, which begins at 6 p.m.

The Cambridge Food Bank will be collecting food donations and the Salvation Army will be accepting new unwrapped toys along the parade route.