They say it takes a village. Other times, all it takes is a little curiosity to create a spark. In this case, they were the words of a curious four year old, who one day in late November noticed the collection of unwrapped toys at the Burlington Centre. Filled with many questions, Julia Scott-Wells ever so delicately explained the concept of a toy drive to her daughter with hopes of not diminishing the holiday spirit as seen through the eyes of a child. Inspired by what she heard, Scott-Wells’ daughter asked her mom to launch their very own toy drive. Even with just a few short weeks before the jolly fellow himself was to come, Scott-Wells was compelled. Much like when a toddler hands you a toy phone, she ran with the idea. And the would-be efforts were justified sensibly: even if it were just one or two toys collected, these would be one or two more than the Salvation Army currently had at their toy depot.
13 years later, the tradition carries on.
“One family comes every year, and this has been their holiday tradition for the last four or five years,” says Scott-Wells, who feels that it is the community that builds the toy mountain out front of their home; her family simply provides the platform to do so.
She truly believes that during what seems like the pandemonium of Christmas, hosting this annual toy drive gives families that moment to pause and think about those in need who live in our community.
Year after year, the goal is to build the biggest possible toy mountain of new and unwrapped toys, and with the help of the community, the mountain grows bigger. Even through the hardships of the pandemic, families still took the time to participate with their donations. Scott-Wells credits the generosity of the community, as they’re the ones who continue to rise to the occasion each holiday season.
This year’s 13th Annual Lakeshore Woods Toy Drive will be held on Sunday December 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at 281 Great Lakes Blvd., in Oakville.
Residents are invited to bring a new and unwrapped toy to help top the toy mountain. Any and all new toy donations are greatly appreciated, but there is a need for items for babies and teenagers (10 years of age and older) in particular. All toys will be donated to the Halton Salvation Army, benefitting community members in Burlington and Oakville, going to wherever the need is. According to Scott-Wells, The Salvation Army has a goal to reach 150,000 toys this holiday season.
Can’t make the date? Those interested are welcome to drop off their donation in the toybox located on the porch at 281 Great Lakes Blvd.
