Canby Kiwanis will host two drive-thru donation events at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds this weekend and next to collect toys for its annual Canby Community Food & Toy Drive.
The beloved annual outreach elected to press forward this year, though there have been significant motivations due to the continuing coronavirus pandemic.
One of the biggest changes has been the reduced number of donation barrels that have been posted around town.
Typically in the 40s, fewer than a dozen have been set up this year (a list appears below) because of the impact of Covid-19 on the Kiwanis Club’s volunteers as well as local businesses that normally participate.
To offset this shortfall, the club is hoping many will turn out to support the donation pickup events, which are taking place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 and Dec. 5.
The events are being held with minimal contact: Donations can be picked up from your trucks without you even needing to exit your car. Please ensure toys are new and unwrapped.
The two events are also expected to feature some special guests (appearance times may vary), including the Canby Fire District, Santa Claus and everyone’s favorite family of dinosaurs.
The club is also collecting donations for the food portion of this outreach, which organizers expect will see increased need this year. Instead of the typical food boxes, the nonprofit will be handing out grocery cards to families in need.
To make a secure donation online, visit Canby Kiwanis’ website. The City of Canby recently elected to funnel $15,000 in federal CARES Act funding toward the effort, but the anticipated costs are double that amount.
If you or your family are in need this year, please apply for food and support by Dec. 1, in person at the Canby Kiwanis Thrift Store or The Canby Center, or online at canbykiwanis.org.
Toys may also be dropped off in designated barrels at the following locations in Canby: Canby Kiwanis Thrift Store, The Canby Center, Cutsforth’s Market, Millar’s Point S Tires, Les Schwab Tires, Canby Adult Center, Bricks & Minifigs, Gwynn’s, Book Nook, and Key Bank.
This year’s Toy & Food Drive is the 63rd iteration of the annual Canby community outreach, which began in 1958. In the past decade, the drive has given toys to an average of 900 to 1,000 kids each year, and food baskets to around 400 families.
