With the holiday season approaching, the Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Support Group is inviting the community to help brighten the holidays for children battling cancer and their families.

The organization’s annual toy drive is underway, collecting new, unwrapped toys for children from newborn to 17 years old. Donations can be dropped off at locations in Morden, including Little Morden Service, Renew Wellness Centre, Friesen Insurance Brokers, Janzen’s Paint & Decorating, and Best Western Plus in Morden. For those outside the Pembina Valley, an Amazon wishlist is available through Candlelighters’ website and social media channels.

The toy drive helps ease financial and emotional pressures that families face during the holidays. Many families experience significant challenges when a child is diagnosed with cancer, including lost income or relocating to Winnipeg for treatment. The initiative ensures children receive gifts while extra toys support siblings and the children’s hospital.

Suggested items include games, Pokémon cards, and Lego, and Candlelighters collects individual wish lists to make the experience special for each child. Monetary donations are also welcome and eligible for tax receipts. This year’s toy drive will serve about 110 children.

Candlelighters expresses gratitude to the Pembina Valley community for its continued support. The volunteer-driven organization relies on the generosity of local businesses and individuals to make the holiday season brighter for families facing childhood cancer.

For more information or to donate, visit Candlelighters’ social media pages or their website.

Source: Robyn Wiebe, PembinaValleyOnline