Craig Wilson uses the phrase “dire need”, talking about the Salvation Army Christmas toy drive in Timmins. He’s the coordinator of the donation program..

“The people that usually collect for us, the TD Bank and McDonald’s, they can’t do it because of Covid,” he states, “so it has dropped right off.  We have a few donations, but we need a lot more.”

So Wilson is pleading with the community to drop off new toys for newborns to 13-year-olds at 259 Third Ave., from 9:00am until 3:00am, Monday to Friday.

The toy doesn’t have to be expensive.

“It’s very much appreciated. I can tell you from experience,” he comments. “The expressions on the parents’ faces when they pick up the toys is just priceless. It makes my entire Christmas.”

Wilson expects high demand this year, due to layoffs and reduced work hours due to the pandemic.