Toy Mountain adds new drop-off sites to meet rising demand

The Toy Mountain campaign has expanded the number of drop-off locations this year in Winnipeg.

CTV News Winnipeg’s annual Toy Mountain campaign is offering additional locations this year.

On Saturday, friends from Bounce 99.9 and 103.1 Virgin Radio hit the airwaves at Access Storage at 21 Lowson Crescent — a new partner with the campaign.

Kristin Marand, the Salvation Army Prairies and Northern Territories Division’s communications manager, said the organization is trying to make donations more convenient.

“We know that folks are really pressed for time. It’s a really busy time of the year for just about anyone,” Marand told CTV News on Saturday. “So if we can offer more options for them to donate on their schedule, it makes it easier for the family to get involved and hopefully if you’re already doing some running around, we can just be another stop along the way.”

According to Marand, the campaign aims to serve about 8,500 children — an additional 2,500 compared to last year.

“We’re asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys for children zero to 12 … Right now what we’re really hoping for are the kinds of games and toys that bring families together — so puzzles or board games that you can play together as a family.”

So far, the additional locations have had a positive impact on the campaign, Marand said.

TJ Oakley came to the location with Julia Oakley, dropping off toys.

“It was important for all the kids that couldn’t afford toys, so they could get some,” TJ said about the campaign’s importance.

Drop-offs are available at CF Polo Park on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6. Donations are regularly accepted at all Scotiabank, IKEA and Toys “R” Us locations. A full list of locations is available on CTV Winnipeg’s Toy Mountain webpage.