There was a strong response to Toys Days this year in support of Steinbach Community Christmas. 

The organization put out a plea, asking for a lot more donations this year in order to fill the many requests for hampers. 

“This has been an incredible year,” says Toy Coordinator Joanne Dyck. “I think we've had the most donations this year at the toy drive than ever. The pile was just amazingly high. So, I'm very excited and just so thankful for our community, for the way they always step up and everybody pitches in what they can do and it's amazing to see every year.” 

During Toys Days on November 30th and December 1st, countless donations were dropped off in the bin at Canadian Tire in Steinbach. The large bin was completely empty, and it appeared almost daunting to think about the hundreds of toys that would be needed this year. 

Hamper registration closed on Wednesday evening and the organization reported that 1,942 children were registered for gifts this year. Even though that was a lot more than expected, Dyck says she knew the community would fill the need. 

“The number is very big,” Dyck acknowledges. “We're 300 gifts over what we did last year which was already a record year. So, when you think of that, that is a lot more toys that we needed. So, the thought is, ‘Wow! That's a lot.’ But I always know, every single year, our community comes through, and we always get what we need. And if I need to, we have money donations that always come in, so I can always do a bit of shopping at the end. But normally I never have to do that. So, I'm not worried.” 

Halfway through Toys Days, the bin was full. During the final day, donations poured in, and the bin was made larger, and larger, to hold all the toys. 

During the next few days, Dyck and her volunteers will sort through the donations and organize them by age group. By Monday afternoon, she will know if there are enough toys for each child on their list. 

Steinbach Community Christmas continues to accept monetary donations which can be dropped off at Southeast Helping Hands on Main Street, or you can make an online donation on their website. 

The first group of hampers will be delivered on Wednesday, December 7th. There are 1,240 families registered for Christmas hampers this year. 

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