Home Community Optimist Club of Keswick’s toy drive returns for 10th year

Optimist Club of Keswick’s toy drive returns for 10th year

October 30, 2024

By Michelle Poirier

The Optimist Club of Keswick is kicking off their 10th annual toy drive this November, with the number of applicants expected to be higher than last year.

Jennifer Carter, Vice President of the Optimist Club of Keswick, said as of October 24 they have 460 children registered.

“Last year we served 703 children and we’re expecting the number to be even higher this year,” she said.

The Optimist Club is currently accepting applications for families to receive gifts, families can apply for their children aged 16 and below, they will then be allocated a date and time to come in and choose their gifts.

Carter said the pickup dates will be from Monday, December 9 to Friday, December 13.

“Our goal is the same every year, for every child in Georgina to have gifts under the tree on Christmas morning,” she said.
Along with the toy drive, the Optimist Club also runs a program called “Adopt a Family.”

“Members of the community or businesses let us know how many children they would like to adopt and we match them with a local family,” she said.

“We provide a wish list from the family and they go out and purchase the gifts. The gifts are then provided to us and we distribute them to the families the week of December 8.”

For those wanting to donate, only new toys will be accepted for the toy drive, and the drop off locations will begin accepting gifts in November.

“Residents can drop off donations at any of the fire stations in Georgina, York Regional Police station, as well as at participating local businesses,” Carter said.

They are still looking for local businesses who would like to collect donations, and as new drop off locations are chosen, they will be posted on the Optimist Club of Keswick’s social media pages.

They are also accepting financial donations, you can e-transfer your donation to: keswickoptimist@gmail.com.

“We are appreciative for all the amazing support from our community. Through their donations we were able to help over 700 children last year,” Carter said.

To receive the link to the application or for any questions you can email: optimisttoydrive@gmail.com.