The Smiley Chimps Toy Drive, created by Sheyanne O’Donnell of Arthur during her battle with neuroblastoma (childhood cancer) in 2013, will continue this Christmas season.
Sheyanne started the toy drive to help bring smiles to the faces of children like her, who were staying at McMaster Children’s Hospital over the holidays.
The community responded to Sheyanne’s toy drive by donating 1,200 toys, far surpassing her goal of collecting 100 to 200 toys.
Sadly, Sheyanne lost her battle with cancer in February of 2014.
Her family and friends continue the toy drive each year in her memory.
This Christmas season’s drop off locations include:
– Arthur Foodland;
– Arthur Public School until Nov. 18;
– Cassey O’Donnell’s house in Arthur;
– Kevin and Rebecca O’Donnell’s house in Arthur;
– Shannon and Trevor Henry’s house in Arthur;
– Clarks Coffee in Orangeville;
– Maples School in Orangeville;
– WR Designs – The Flower Co. in Fergus;
– Warehouse One in Fergus;
– North Wind Installation in Arthur;
– Walsh’s Pharmacy in Arthur and Mount Forest;
– Karen Meers house in Georgetown;
– Secure Insurance in Arthur and Drayton; and
– at the Drayton Fire Station immediately after the Drayton Santa Claus Parade on Dec. 2.
In addition, the Arthur Foodland will be offering a free picture with Santa for those children who bring a toy to donate on Dec. 3 from 10am to 2pm.
Toy drive organizers are looking for donations for children from newborn to 18 years.
Donations should be unwrapped, in original packaging and tags attached.
McMaster Children’s Hospital has requested specific items for each age group. Visit Sheyanne’s Smiley Chimps Facebook page for a complete list of needed items.
Toys will be delivered on Dec. 5.
For more information about the Smiley Chimps Toy Drive contact Kevin at 519-993-7895, Rebecca at 519-831-1960 or Cassey at 519-362-1218.
