Sarnia's Salvation Army Christmas Toy Drive is underway for the next two days at Lambton Mall.
Toys can be donated on Friday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. to fill the organization's Christmas gift hampers.
Captain Brad Webster said this is the second year they've done it.
"Last year went great," Webster said. "We collected just over 635 toys, which meant 635 children got a little something extra under the tree last year."
Webster said they'll be stationed outside of Toys "R" Us.
"The age groups that we're seeing right now that are most in need are those being six and nine, and then just between nine and 12. Those are the most needed groups right now," he said.
Webster said you can also still contribute to the Red Kettle campaign at the mall. A volunteer will be set up with a kettle at the T-junction.
He said donations started out slower compared to previous years.
"After six days of [kettles] being out, we were at $26,612 of our $165,000 goal. This year we're down about $3,000, which is to be expected with the way things are going with the economy and the increased use of our programs that we're seeing. But, we're quite hopeful that we'll meet our goal again this year," Webster added.
Kettle campaign volunteers are still needed. Those willing to help can contact Brenda Dunn at 548-997-0750 or sasarniakettles@gmail.com.
Money raised through the kettle campaign will support programs and services provided by the local Salvation Army, including rental and utility assistance, and the food bank. Webster said the display includes a tap option for people to make electronic donations of $5, $10, or $20.
Kettles have also been stationed at The Real Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire, Walmart Supercentre, and Metro Northgate.
