This December, our annual Toy Market invites the families engaged in our programs to experience five days of holiday fun and Christmas magic!
Regent Park and area parents sign up for a time slot to browse through a bounty of new toys, games, stuffed animals and more, donated and collected by generous YSM donors, local businesses, churches and organizations.
Toy Market volunteers serve to offer one-on-one guidance as parents and caregivers look for the perfect gifts to delight their children.
Last year, a father detailed to his shopping guide how much he wanted to find a basketball hoop for his son. Incredibly, a hoop just like the one he’d hoped to find was available at the market!
As the father held the hoop in his hands, the unexpected joy of the moment brought tears to the eyes of both the parent and the volunteer.
“Toy Market makes it possible for every family to celebrate with their children,” one community member explained. “It’s an opportunity for parents and guardians to feel self-worth, to feel a sense of relief, to make sure every child will get something special.”
That community member now serves as a Toy Market volunteer.
“It’s an amazing experience being able to help people who are in the same spot I was in. As a mother, knowing your child will get to wake up happy, and you’ll see that smile on their face . . . it’s one of the most amazing things, especially when you know you made that happen.”
Would you like to donate time or toys to the Toy Market? Please email volunteer@ysm.ca and coordinate drop-offs before December 13. Learn more and see our Toy Market wish list at ysm.ca/ways-to-give/toy-market/.
You can also give a Christmas gift to a neighbour in need through our website.