THUNDER BAY - A growing need in the city has put more pressure on local charities during the holidays, and while the Toys for Tots campaign is down a little from last year’s total, organizers say the year was another success.
“We got the job done this year, again,” said Paul Penna, co-chair of the Toys for Tots campaign. “Everybody is hurting. Families are hurting, businesses are hurting, and other charities are hurting. We are very grateful that Thunder Bay was able to give us such a big number this year.”
This year, the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighter’s Association presented a cheque for $153,990 to the Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer Fund, which was down slightly from last year’s total of $161,695. Penna said it is difficult to pinpoint exactly how much is needed year to year, but this year’s total is still very positive.
The nearly 60-year-old Toys for Tots campaign has raised more $2 million since 1973. It was started to ensure that all children in Thunder Bay receive a toy Christmas morning. Running from Nov. 13 to Dec. 17 this year, Penna believes the drop in donations is due to the economy and people struggling to make ends meet.
“Our number of children has increased, to almost 4,000,” he said. “Christmas Cheer gave hampers to more families than ever before and that’s proof right there that everybody is hurting. It’s harder for people to give if financially they are hurting.”
More than 3,600 children received a toy from the Christmas Cheer Fund this year, up from 3,400 last year. Jolene Kemp, Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer chairperson, said every year the toys given to families really do change lives.
“We had a man thank us, saying he can now look his son in the eye and tell him merry Christmas,” she said.
“That in itself is enough to make it worth the while,” Penna added. “It’s rewarding.”
Penna said the Toys for Tots campaign remains an important staple in the city during the holiday season and he is very proud to be a part of it.
“It’s become almost a Christmas tradition to so many businesses, families, and people,” he said. “It’s automatic. People tell us that when they come to the booth. They say this is part of our Christmas, part of our holiday season to give to Toys for Tots. We are part of the landscape at this time of year.”
