THUNDER BAY – Paul Penna says every child deserves a present or two under the tree on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, Santa Claus sometimes overlooks a home or two on his annual reindeer-fueled race around the globe each Christmas Eve.
For more than 70 years, the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters and Toys for Tots have stepped in to fill the gap.
This year, the need may be even greater.
With COVID-19 sweeping the planet, closing businesses for extended periods of time in its early stages, many bread-winners were put out of work for periods of time this year. Others have seen hours cut or businesses simply not reopen.
Penna, who chairs the Toys for Tots campaign, said they’re going to try to make the best of a bad situation, adding an online donation option to their usual set-up near the Intercity Shopping Centre food court.
“Everything is uncertain. The mall being open, that’s uncertain. How many people are going to come to the mall? That’s uncertain. There’s all kinds of uncertainties. We weren’t sure how many people would have the need, but it’s starting to look like more people than in the past,” Penna said.
“So we’ve taken a few steps. Our guys are still going to be at the mall, but we’ve decided to revamp our website at www.tbaytoysfortots.ca. We’ve launched that this week and people are already starting to donate there, so we’re really happy with that.”
Toys for Tots does not set an official goal, but Penna in the past has said they usually aim for about $150,000, with money collected one year used to cover the costs of buying the gifts the following year.
As a result, and with a donation of nearly $38,000 from Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, Penna said his elves have already been out shopping and have started to stockpile gifts for children whose families are eligible for a Christmas Cheer hamper.
He’s hopeful the public will be able to help make the holidays a little happier for some of the city’s youngest residents.
“Christmas is a special time of year and really special especially as children. Nobody should be deprived of being happy and having a joyous Christmas seasons. For more than 70 years the Thunder Bay Firefighters have been doing this and making kids who are living in less fortunate circumstances, making their Christmases more happy,” Penna.
“And really, this is probably our most important year yet.”
To donate, visit the website, the booth at Intercity Shopping Centre, any TD Bank branch in the city or by texting CHEERFORTOTS to 20222 to give either $10 or $25.
