Great Nanaimo Toy Drive volunteers stand inside the gym at Dufferin Crescent last December, ready to help families pick out presents for their children. (Submitted photo)
By Mandy Moraes, NLPS Staff
Inside a school district gym that transforms into a cheerful “department store” of toys and books, Nanaimo Ladysmith Public Schools is once again teaming up with the Great Nanaimo Toy Drive to help families celebrate the holiday season.
The Great Nanaimo Toy Drive is the city’s largest and has been running since the early 1980s. Its main goal is to bring people together to give gifts to children who need them.
This is the second year in a row that the school district has offered space and equipment since renewing the partnership. Trustee Tania Brzovic, who helped restart the collaboration, said she’s glad to see NLPS involved once again.
The toy drive used to be held at the old Harewood school site. Last year, the event moved to the Nanaimo Ladysmith School District building on Dufferin Crescent, where the gym is available for about a week to families registered with the toy drive.
Families who sign up can pick out gifts for their children in a setup that feels like a department store inside the gym. Toys are sorted by age and interest, with special sections for books and teen items. If anything is missing, volunteer shoppers can buy extra using monetary donations to fill out any gaps.
“It’s really quite something to see,” Brzovic said.
The trustee said helping families in December can make a real difference for students. She explained that this partnership aligns with one of the school district’s strategic plan goals for student and staff wellness and aligns with the new “belong, grow, thrive” tagline.
“December is a tough month for children if they don’t have security,” she said. “Stress in the home becomes stress at school. Helping parents ensures Christmas is a little happier for kids and families.”
Brzovic, who also volunteers with the toy drive, said the experience is closely tied to her own upbringing.
She shared that she was lucky to grow up in a privileged home.
“My mother, as an elementary school principal, always made sure families in her school were taken care of. She taught me that when you have much, you need to pass it on.”
If you want to donate or volunteer, you can find more details on the Toy Drive’s website and Facebook page. The website lists drop-off spots, gift ideas for different ages, and ways to volunteer. You can also bring toy donations to several upcoming events, including:
- Nov. 29 – Nanaimo Clippers game
- Nov. 29 – VIU Mariners basketball game (free admission with a toy donation)
- Dec. 4 & 11 – Nanaimo Buccaneers home games
- Nov. 28–30 – Nanaimo Christmas Village at Cavallotti Lodge
Families in need who would like to register to receive toys through the Toy Drive can visit the Toy Drive’s website for more information.