Deltassist’s Toy Depot has changed venues this year in the hope that things will be more streamlined for Santa and every one of his helpful elves.
Instead of being located at the East Delta Hall, the Toy Depot will take place at Deltassist’s North Delta office, at 9097 - 120th St.
Better logistics and personnel management are the reasons, explained Ana Awmack Juan, with Deltassist.
“We’re trying something different this year just because we’ve had a hard time getting volunteers and with the logistics, it’s a lot of work,” said Awmack Juan.
Being located in several rooms throughout the office will make it easier for employees to help out during crunch times and increase the number of days parents can stop by and pick up the presents for their kids.
The new location also reduces the number of trucks, trips, loading and unloading required to set up at East Delta Hall.
The Toy Depot will now be open more days as well, from Nov. 19 to Dec. 11, Mondays and Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and Wednesdays, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Each child will get a large, medium and small toy, plus a book, a puzzle, a small board game, two stocking stuffers and an item of clothing.
To qualify for Toy Depot gifts, parents have to apply online and make an appointment.
Last year, about 850 kids received toys. This year, that number is expected to be larger, based on the growing demand for the emergency grocery supplies that Deltassist also provides.
“This year, we’ve seen a lot more new immigrants, newcomers that are needing support, so we think … there may be a higher need, but we’re not sure,” Awmack Juan said.
People can drop off donations of new toys, still in their original packaging but unwrapped, at both Deltassist locations in South Delta (5000 Bridge St. in Ladner Village) and North Delta or at participating businesses.
Toys for older kids are always in high demand. For girls, that could include hair dryers or curlers and cosmetics and electronic or gaming gear for the guys.
Deltassist’s Christmas hamper program that puts together the basics for a Christmas dinner is also picking up from where it left off last year, thanks to the help of service clubs, businesses and Paridon Horticultural, which provides the storage and assembly space for the hampers.
The Christmas hampers will be delivered Saturday Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. People must be home to accept the hampers as they won’t be left at the door.
Donations of food for those hampers are needed because Deltassist’s shelves are bare, said Awmack Juan.
For the last several years, about 500 families have received Christmas hampers each year.
This year hampers again will include roasting chickens to keep costs down.
People can bring their food donations to both offices and to donation boxes around Delta.
If you happen to be visiting Cascades Casino Delta, bring a food item because there will be a donation box there as well.
They’re also projecting more demand for hampers this year as well.
Awmack Juan noted that any senior who is eligible for a hamper is also eligible for the Santa for Seniors program, thanks to Bria Communities.
“For decades hundreds of Christmas food hampers and thousands of toys have been distributed to low-income families and seniors in Delta. It is only because of the overwhelming support of personal and corporate contributions this happens,” Deltassist says on its website.
“Deltassist in partnership with volunteers the service clubs of Delta and the community support hundreds of families and individuals each year at Christmas. This is an amazing testimony to the spirit and culture of Delta.”
Go to https://deltassist.com/ to register for the Christmas assistance programs, how to donate or offer any other help.
