Uncle Vinny’s Toy Drive in support of The Salvation Army retuned for a second year to make Christmas brighter for families in need in BC. Named after the late Vinny Maan the toy drive carries on his tradition of gift giving as collection boxes have been set up throughout the Lower Mainland in local businesses.
The campaign ran from November 12th – December 10th and is hoping to help hundreds of more children after last year’s Toy Drive collected 1,685 toys in B.C.
This Toy Drive allows the family to not only give back to the community by giving gifts to The Salvation Army Toy Shop, which gives families the chance to pick out toys for their children based on their preferences who otherwise would not be able to afford presents, but also gives the family a chance to celebrate Vinny’s life in what has otherwise been a difficult time.
“Uncle Vinny’s thing was extending that extra hand and building a friendship with children to spread love and kindness. The toy drive goes hand in hand with what now will be Uncle Vinny’s legacy,” said Sandy, Vinny’s sister.
The Salvation Army picked up toy donations at the Maan family home to help families who may not be able to afford gifts this Christmas. This Toy Drive allows the family to not only give back to the community by giving gifts to The Salvation Army Toy Shop, which gives families the chance to pick out toys for their children based on their preferences who otherwise would not be able to afford presents, but also gives the family a chance to celebrate Vinny’s life in what has otherwise been a difficult time.
“Overall, we are seeing a 30% increase in demand for our services across Canada, and we wouldn’t be able to meet it without the help of our generous donors across communities, including Uncle Vinny’s Toy Drive,” said The Salvation Army staff. “About 1,580 toys were collected this year and more are expected to be delivered soon. Donations were collected in local businesses around the Lower Mainland in Surrey, Abbotsford, Vancouver, Langley, Richmond, Delta, New Westminster, Coquitlam, and Maple Ridge.”
Donations collected from this year’s Uncle Vinny Toy Drive will be presented at the Boundless Vancouver Christmas Toy Shop where families can walk through and choose the gifts they prefer according to their children’s preferences. Donations for the Toy Shop are also being collected at the Toys“R”Us Broadway location till December 23rd.
A toy drive is also simultaneously held in Ontario where their sister Sandy lives. Those who would still like to make a donation directly to The Salvation Army this Christmas season can drop off cash, cheque or tap their credit card at our Christmas Kettles or visit
