2023 Toy Drive – Support the Women’s Centre

Make the Holidays Brighter for families in our Community!

We’re back supporting the Women’s Centre of Calgary for our Annual Toy Drive.

The MLCA has offered our hall as a drop off location for their worthy cause during this holiday season. We will be collecting toys and other items for those in need until Dec. 8^th and will deliver it to the Women’s Centre the following week.

The holidays can be a difficult time for many, and thousands of women in Calgary struggle to afford holiday gifts for their children. The Women’s Centre Holiday Toy Room helps women and families by operating a gift program, where women are able to choose a holiday gift for their children as well as a gift for themselves.

Last year, although they served fewer women because of COVID-19, they provided gifts to over 3600 children and women in Calgary. They distributed thousands of gifts through the Toy Room.

 

*If you are able to donate toys for the above cause, please email Kevin at gm@mardaloop.com to schedule a drop-off time. 

 

Wondering what to give? See below:

 

Areas of greatest need:

• New, unwrapped gifts for 8-16 year olds
• Gift cards for teens (Old Navy, Sephora, Sports Check, Walmart, theater, etc.)
  • Suggested value of $25
  • Please be aware that Visa and MasterCard gift cards have many hidden fees for activation and balance checks.
• Gifts for women, such as pajamas, gift cards for groceries, makeup, mittens, hats, etc.

 

Please note:

• New, unopened gifts only
• They are in dire need of gifts for Youth ages 8-16
• No violent toys please (e.g. toy weapons such as guns, knives, grenades, etc.).

 

Gift ideas:

• 0-2 years old:
  • Stacking/sorting games
  • Learn to crawl/walk set
  • Onesies/Pajamas
  • Teethers
  • Diaper Bags
  • Activity Toys
• 3-7 years old:
  • Plastic Fisher Price Toys
  • Barbie Dolls and Baby Dolls
  • Colouring Books
  • Cars, Trains, Planes
  • Playdoh
  • Action Figures
  • Science/Activity Books
• 8-12 years old:
  • Marvel/Star Wars/Transformers figurines
  • Fidget Toys
  • Tween and Teen Books
  • Remote Control Cars
  • Drawing/Science/Magic/Craft Kits
  • Balls, Bats, and Sports Equipment
  • Lego Sets
• 13-17 years old:
  • GIFT CARDS ($25 and up)
  • Teen and Young Adult Fiction Books
  • Makeup and Nail Polish
  • Headphones
  • Action Figures/Funko Pop
  • Electronic Games
  • Model Cars, Planes, and Trains
• Women:
  • GIFT CARDs ($25 and up)
  • Pajamas
  • Purses/Wallets
  • Makeup/Perfume
  • Throw Blankets
  • Shower Steamers
  • Sweaters

 

Some people ask how much to spend on donations. While the value of donated gifts varies widely, we estimate the average donation to be between $25-$40 per toy.

 

Online Purchasing Opportunities:

• The Women’s Centre has once again partnered with locally owned and operated Castle Toys to facilitate online gift donations for the Centre. Visit Castle Toys website for gift ideas.
• Use promo-code WOMENSCENTRE2023 to receive 20% off your online or in-store order and to have your purchased items donated directly to the Women’s Centre.
• For in-store purchases, please provide valid proof of this webpage containing the promotional codes (e.g. a printed copy, or an electric copy from your mobile device).

 

*If you are able to donate toys for the above cause, please email Kevin at gm@mardaloop.com to schedule a drop-off time. 

 

For more information on this great cause, please visit https://www.womenscentrecalgary.org/