The annual St. Catharines Tree of Little Angels gift drive is now collecting new, unwrapped toys and gifts for local children. The city of St. Catharines is launching the program for the 22nd year, and is looking for public support to ensure every child can share the joy of a new toy or gift this holiday season.
The city will accept gifts for children as old as 16 until Dec. 13. Locations to donate gifts are set up at city hall, community centres, older adult centres, the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals centre, St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatics Cantre, and the Seymour-Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre.
Community locations across the city will see a Tree of Little Angels set up. Residents can take a Little Angel tag off the tree, purchase a gift and return the tag and gift to any Tree of Little Angels location. Gift cards and donations without tags will also be accepted.
Last year the program helped about 13,000 individuals over the holidays, including 3000 children who would not have otherwise received a gift. “The Tree of Angels program is really important to us,” said Betty-Lou Souter, Community Care of St. Catharines and Thorold chief executive officer. “No child should be denied the magic of Christmas.”
The city said in a media release that the drive needs support, as it's expected there will be a high demand this year, and toy reserves are at a roughly 20-year low.
