"Monumental numbers" for Christmas hampers and toys

Rising numbers indicate a significant need for toys this year through Steinbach's Community Christmas Campaign. 

Carolyn Peters, hamper coordinator, says there are 1,976 children currently registered for toys. 

“As we suspected, our numbers are higher than they were last year, and I think that's just an all-around... with the price of groceries, inflation, I think everyone is struggling to some degree. 

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Toys Days is on December 5 and 6 at Canadian Tire…and we went shopping! Steinbach Community Christmas is getting hampers ready to deliver, and we have all been tasked with getting enough toys together so each kid in the community has a toy to open Christmas morning.

♬ Family Christmas - Mr. Popolo

Peters goes on to says that these will be “monumental numbers that we have this year.” 

She says it is heartbreaking to read through the hamper registration forms and learn of the significant struggles that many families are facing. 

“Putting a human face to poverty to homelessness, and to individuals who struggle from paycheck to paycheck, if there is even a paycheck... it really brings it home and makes it personal.” 

Knowing we live in a supportive community; Peters says that is what gives hope during hard times. 

In November, the Steinbach Pistons invited fans to bring toy donations to their game, and they did not disappoint. (Photo submitted)

She says the community always comes through when the call goes out for a huge amount of donations and Peters is counting on that again this year. 

Bring a new, unwrapped toy to Toys Days on Tuesday and Wednesday, December 5-6, at Canadian Tire in Steinbach and help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas. 

-With files from Carly Koop.

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