Christmas Toy Drive

It has long been a tradition here at CHCH, this afternoon, we officially kicked off our 15th edition of our Christmas Toy Drive!

Each year, we partner with the East Hamilton Optimist Club and Eastgate Square to collect gifts for families in need.

Magic was in the air at Eastgate Square when Santa Claus arrived to open the CHCH Christmas toy donation box.

Hundreds of children with their parents got a chance to see the big man in red.

Children entertainers were part of the celebration.

Barbara Miele is Eastgate Square’s marketing director. She says merchants in the plaza are happy to play a part.

The East Hamilton optimist club has been involved for more than four decades. Charlie Manning says it’s magical to see the reaction from children who receive a gift.

John Douglas echos those thoughts. This year they hope the drive will be their most successful. Douglas says he loves seeing smiles on the faces of all the children he meets.

Last year, enough gifts were collected to help nearly 300 families and close to 800 kids.

We are also working with the Welland optimists and community toy programs.

Their event kicked off yesterday.

Shoppers donated more than 250 bears.

Residents across the area can drop off donations to the Seaway Mall Santa Village until December 21st.

Here in Hamilton, if you’d like to help, new and unwrapped toys or gift cards can be donated at Eastgate Square or at the CHCH television studio.

No matter how you help, we are grateful.