Christmas Toy Drive

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In 2024, I had the opportunity to participate in a Christmas gift drive for a youth group in Grenada, and it was such a rewarding experience that I wanted to be involved again this year. As part of the 2024 drive, I created colouring pages for the hundreds of children attending the celebration and reached out to my community for donations of crayons and colouring supplies so the children could enjoy them during the Christmas party. The photo attached shows some of the supplies we were able to collect and donate that year.

I want to go BIGGER!!!

This year, I’m collecting donations on behalf of the Woodlands Progressive Youth Group in Grenada to help support their annual Christmas: Carry & Share celebration.

- Christmas: Carry & Share

- December 12, 2026 in Grenada

- For children and youth from babies through age 18

For more than 20 years, this Christmas celebration has been bringing together hundreds of children and youth. The goal is to provide a happy Christmas for children who may otherwise be underprivileged or in need. The event is taking place on December 12, 2026 in Grenada. 

Food and gifts are provided during the celebration, along with resources for children and families who need additional support. There are donations coming in from several different sources to help make the event possible, and I’m hoping to be one of those sources this year.

HELPING THE OLDER KIDS FEEL INCLUDED

This year, we're putting special attention on tweens & teens.

When people think about Christmas donations, it's easy to think about babies and young children first. But children don't stop needing (or wanting) a little Christmas magic when they get older.

FOR EVERYONE

Whenever possible, I'm also hoping to include gender-neutral gifts and products so that children can choose items based on their own interests rather than feeling that something is meant only for a boy or only for a girl.

Things like art supplies, journals, stationery, games, books, building sets, sports items, puzzles, craft kits, personal-care products and fun accessories can be great options for a wide range of children and teens. 

Gender-specific items are still welcome; the goal isn't to eliminate them, but to make sure there are plenty of inclusive options available so every child has something they can enjoy. 

One of the things we would love to do is put together small self-care gift bags for the older kids. Something fun, useful, and personal that they can enjoy for themselves!

Self-care donations can be for girls or boys and don't have to be expensive! Some ideas include:

- Nail polish & nail care

- Body wash & lotion

- Soap & deodorant

- Hair care products suitable for textured/POC hair

- Hair accessories

- Combs, brushes & hair accessories

- Lip balm

- Toothbrushes & toothpaste

- Travel-size personal-care items

- Small cosmetic/toiletry bags (gender neutral preferred)

- Other fun or age-appropriate self-care items

- Both practical and fun items are welcome!

You don’t have to buy a complete gift bag. Even one small item can help us put them together.

MY CONTRIBUTION

As I mentioned, I had the opportunity to help with this Christmas drive in the past by creating Christmas-themed colouring pages, and I'm doing it again this year!

I'm creating a collection of Christmas-themed colouring pages for the children to enjoy.

I'm also donating some of my journals, which I've customized specifically for the Woodlands Progressive Youth Group.

The journals feature my original lion drawing (the mascot of the youth group) along with meaningful phrases connected to the group. I wanted to create something personal that the youth could keep and use beyond Christmas.

OTHER GIFTS & SUPPLIES WE'RE COLLECTING

While we're focusing our efforts on the older kids and youth, donations for all ages from babies through 18 are still welcome.

Art Supplies

• Crayons

• Pencil crayons / coloured pencils

• Markers

• Children's craft supplies

• Art & activity kits

• Sketchbooks and drawing supplies Toys & Gifts

• LEGO & building sets

• Dolls, stuffed animals & action figures

• Puzzles & games

• Board games & card games

• STEM/science kits

• Books

• Sports & outdoor equipment

• Craft & DIY kits

• Journals & stationery

• Drawing/art sets

• Age-appropriate gifts for tweens and teens

• Other new or gently used gifts

Gently used toys and art supplies are absolutely welcome! Please make sure they are clean, complete, and still in good condition.

AMAZON WISHLIST - Click here

I've created an Amazon Wishlist with toys, self-care items and supplies for different ages and budgets.

If you think of something that should be added to the wish list, please reach out to me so I can add it.

SHOP SMART

If you're purchasing items for the donation drive, please feel free to shop wherever you find the best prices, sales, promotions or clearance deals. The goal is to make the most of every dollar so we can provide as many gifts and supplies as possible.

Keep an eye out for opportunities such as:

- Sales and clearance events

- Store promotions and multi-buy deals

- Online shopping deals

- Seasonal promotions

- Gift-card promotions

- Major shopping events such as Prime Day and other retailer-specific sales

Buying on sale is encouraged!

PLEASE DON'T FEEL LIMITED TO THE AMAZON WISHLIST

I've created an Amazon Wishlist as one convenient option, especially for people who prefer to have items shipped directly.

However, the wishlist is not intended to promote Amazon or any particular brand or retailer. If you find the same or a similar item somewhere else for less, please feel free to purchase it there instead. The children benefit more when we make every dollar count.

HELP WITH SHIPPING

If you'd rather contribute financially, e-transfer or cash donations are also welcome.

Financial contributions will go toward the cost of shipping the collected donations to Grenada first. If there are funds remaining after shipping costs, they will be used to purchase additional gifts, self-care items and supplies for the children and youth.

For e-transfer information, please message me. Cash can also be given when dropping off physical donations.

Please note: This is an independently organized donation effort. I am not a registered charity or qualified donee, so I cannot provide official charitable tax receipts.

BUSINESSES, WE WOULD LOVE YOUR HELP!

If you own or work for a business that would like to contribute, in-kind donations of toys, self-care products, art supplies, gift cards, or other age-appropriate items are greatly appreciated.

I'm especially hoping to connect with businesses that may be able to donate

art supplies, toys, craft kits, personal-care products, hair-care products, or other items for older kids and teens.

If your business would like to help, please message me and I can provide a formal donation request letter with more information.

DONATION DEADLINE: October 25, 2026

All donations need to be received by October 25 so there is enough time to organize everything and ship the donations to Grenada ahead of the December 12 celebration.

LOCAL DONATIONS

If you'd like to donate new or gently used items locally, please message me to arrange a drop-off in Oshawa or Mississauga.

THANK YOU

I would love to send everyone a little something as a big thank you for helping

out with this cause. Amazon doesn't necessarily provide me with donors' mailing addresses, so please message me if you'd like to provide your mailing information.

Every donation can help contribute to making Christmas special for one of the hundreds of children and youth who attend this celebration. 

Whether it's a box of crayons, a gently used toy, a bottle of body wash, a hair accessory, something from the wishlist, a business donation, or a contribution toward shipping, every bit helps.

Thank you so much for helping me support the Woodlands Progressive Youth Group and their Christmas: Carry & Share celebration

- Samantha Tzambazis 

Art As Imagined