Durham Police kick off their 33rd annual Food and Toy Drive today

Durham Police officially kicked off their the 33rd annual Food and Toy Drive today (November 29) at Regional Headquarters in Whitby.

“The pandemic has brought many challenges during the past 18 months, including a greater need for assistance in our communities. Members of Durham Regional Police Service would like to challenge Durham Region citizens and businesses to make this year’s Food and Toy Drive the biggest ever,” the police said in a release.

Police said the Food and Toy Drive provides Durham Region families in need with food and toys for the holiday season. “Throughout the months of November and December local businesses, organizations and individuals donate food and toys, which are then picked up by volunteers, sorted and distributed to members of the community.”

Donations can be dropped off at any DRPS Division, Regional Headquarters in Whitby, Clarington Fire Headquarters or any fire station in Oshawa, Whitby or Ajax.

DRPS is encouraging community members to try and attend one of several outdoor Cram-A-Cruiser events taking place across the region to drop off food and toys this year. Each event will run from 10 am until 2 pm at the following locations.

* December 4 – Costco Oshawa
* December 5 – Sobeys Oshawa and Fresco Bowmanville
* December 11 – Superstore Whitby, Superstore Ajax, Superstores of Oshawa, Loblaws Pickering, Loblaws Bowmanville and Bargain Shop Oshawa
* December 12 – Liz’s No Frills in Oshawa
* December 18 – Canadian Tires of Whitby and Oshawa North

Donations can also be made at the front vestibules at any of their DRPS divisions, with the exception of Regional Headquarters, which is still closed to the public. They can also be dropped off at Clarington Fire Headquarters or any fire station in Oshawa, Whitby and Ajax.