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Holiday Heroes Toy Drive

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A banner with Christmas lights and two logos YRP and YRPA

A banner with Christmas lights and two logos YRP and YRPA

The York Regional Police Holiday Heroes campaign is back! Every year, this program supports thousands of individuals and families in need right here in York Region.

The 2023 campaign will run from November 13 to December 15, 2023 and collect cash, gift cards, new toys, new children's clothing and non-perishable food items, all of which will be distributed through our partners Salvation Army and Victim Services of York Region.

Through the generosity of our community, including businesses, schools, organizations and community groups, Holiday Heroes has been able to help approximately 100,000 individuals and families in need since the program launched 27 years ago.

DONATE NOW

Where can I drop off a donation?

Donations can be dropped off at:

  • York Regional Police Headquarters - 47 Don Hillock Drive, Aurora
  • #1 District - 429 Harry Walker Pkwy S, Newmarket
  • #2 District - 171 Major Mackenzie Drive West, Richmond Hill
  • #3 District - 3527 Baseline Road, Sutton
  • #4 District - 2700 Rutherford Road, Vaughan
  • #5 District - 8700 McCowan Road, Markham
 When is the Holiday Heroes Campaign?
The campaign will run from November 13 to December 15, 2023. 
 Can I get involved?

Of course! Donations can be dropped off to any police district or at one our events. Simply donate new, unwrapped toys, gift cards, hygiene items or new clothing. A calendar of our upcoming events will be posted on November 7.

You can also make an online financial contribution. These donations are used to purchase specific items a family may need or to purchase gift cards to grocery stores, etc. 

 To make a financial donation, please click here.

 What items are needed most?

While we are grateful for every donation we receive, every year we struggle to meet the needs of tweens, teens and babies. 

Gift cards are the best - and easiest - choice for tweens and teens. They ensure that recipients can select what they need most. 

Ideas for babies include, diapers, wipes, food pouches, formula, clothing, blanket and development games.

Also this year, with rising food costs, the need for grocery gift cards is higher than ever. 

 Can we have an officer visit our toy drive event?
We will do our best to accommodate your request. The Holiday Heroes program is staffed by volunteers and officers cannot attend during their working shift. If we have enough notice, we will do all we can to have an officer attend your event for a photo opportunity.
 Can our group coordinate our own toy drive?

Absolutely! The only way Holiday Heroes is a great success is because of people like you. Our success depends on the generosity of the people in our community. Collecting items from friends, coworkers and families make donations at holiday parties, sporting events and neighbourhood toy drives helps ensure we spread as much joy to those in need across York Region.

Get creative to inspire others to get involved. We are happy to supply our campaign logo for you to create posters to promote your toy drive. 

What happens after I donate a toy?

Most companies and businesses drop off toys to the Salvation Army Food and Toy Distribution warehouse in their area. Toys collected through a group event can be delivered to the warehouse or arrangements can be made for a pick-up where more than 100 toys have been collected.

 

Once at the warehouse, staff and volunteers inspect, sort and package the toys by age for delivery to the Salvation Army Community and Family Services Centres throughout York Region. Each Salvation Army collects family applications and qualifying families for Christmas Assistance throughout the months leading up to the holiday season to determine the inventory required to meet the needs within their community.

I know a family in need. How do I register them in the Holiday Heroes program?

Unfortunately, we are not in a position to process family requests, however, you can reach out to any York Region Salvation Army

They will require an application to be filled out and it can be downloaded here

I still have questions. Who can I contact?
For more information about the Holiday Heroes campaign, please email holidayheroes@yrp.ca

Holiday Heroes Partners

 Red and white logo    The Victim Services logo A logo with blue and green text