Make the Holidays Brighter for families in our Community!
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. 16th 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 3800 children and women in Calgary. They distributed thousands of gifts through the Toy Room.
Wondering what to give? See below:
Areas of greatest need:
- New, unwrapped gifts for 8-12 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
- Women’s gifts are in high demand
- 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
- Plush dolls/animals
- 3-7 years old:
- Fidget toys
- Paint/craft kits
- 8-12 years old:
- Marvel/Star Wars figurines
- Puzzles/board games
- Science kits/Lego sets
- 13-17 years old:
- Model cars/planes/trains
- Electronic group games
- Gift cards
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 WOMENSCENTRE2022 to receive 20% off your online or in-store order and to have your purchased items donated directly to the Women’s Centre. Personal purchases will also qualify for the 20% reduction please note in the Comments space the items are personal.
- 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/
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