The Surrey Central Lions Club holds its annual “Stuff the Sleigh” toy drive at Central City Mall collecting new toys & cash to support Surrey Christmas Bureau this weekend.
‘Stuff the Sleigh’ Kicks Off at Central City Mall
This weekend, the halls of Surrey Central Lions Club are buzzing with holiday spirit. The service club is hosting its beloved annual toy drive Stuff the Sleigh Toy Drive at Central City Mall (10153 King George Blvd, Surrey). Shoppers are invited to bring new, unwrapped toys or cash donations to the collection point on the second floor, located next to Winners. Drop‑off hours run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both Friday and Saturday (Nov. 28–29).
On Saturday only, there’s a cheerful bonus: anyone who donates a toy or gives at least $5 is welcome to enjoy a free pancake breakfast. It’s the Lions’ way of saying thanks while spreading a little extra warmth this holiday season.
Why This Drive Matters and Why Now
Why so early in November? Because time matters. The collected toys and donations will soon be handed over to Surrey Christmas Bureau, which relies on community support to make holiday season brighter for local families.
The Bureau’s programs including their “Toy Depot” and “Adopt‑A‑Family” initiative allow parents to choose thoughtful gifts for their children or receive food vouchers and grocery support for a festive Christmas dinner.
As one of the organizers, Lions‑club volunteer Lion Lin explains: “We hold our toy drive in November so that the toys we collect now can be distributed this Christmas. Families start coming to the Christmas Bureau in early December to ‘shop’ for toys, so we need to make sure that they have lots of choices.” This early timing ensures donations reach the shelves in time for giving.
How Your Gift Makes a Real Difference
When you donate whether a toy or a few dollars you’re helping in more ways than one:
- Toys go directly to kids ages 0–18 via the Bureau’s Toy Depot, giving them something new to unwrap this holiday.
- Monetary donations support the Bureau’s grocery‑voucher program, helping families afford holiday meals and essentials.
- The “Adopt‑A‑Family” program allows generous donors or sponsors to match with families in need delivering both toys and essential grocery support.
According to the Christmas Bureau’s last publicly available data, in a single season they provided thousands of children with toys and helped many families with food support.
Who’s Behind This Holiday Magic
The Surrey Central Lions have long played a pivotal role in coordinating community‑driven efforts like this. Their volunteerism helps ensure events like “Stuff the Sleigh” run smoothly and reach as many families as possible.
On their end, the Surrey Christmas Bureau is B.C.’s largest non‑denominational Christmas charity. For over four decades, they’ve committed to making holiday season kinder, more inclusive, and more joyful especially for low‑income families who might otherwise go without.
But they can’t do it alone. They need the generosity of people like you shoppers, mall‑goers, and community members to show up with a toy, a donation, or even just a little holiday spirit.
How You Can Help and Spread the Word
- Drop off a new, unwrapped toy or donate $5+ at Central City Mall, second floor by Winners, between 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on Nov. 28 or 29.
- Grab a free pancake breakfast Saturday if you donate a small thank‑you and a taste of holiday cheer.
- Share this drive with friends, family, coworkers the more people who know, the more toys, cash, and joy will reach local kids.
- Consider donating additional funds or sponsoring a family via Surrey Christmas Bureau’s Adopt‑A‑Family program. Their mission extends beyond toys: they provide grocery support and more, helping families build a stable, festive holiday.
Community Kindness on Full Display
In a world that sometimes feels divided and cold, “Stuff the Sleigh” reminds us all what community and generosity look like when they come together. Every unwrapped toy, every dollar donated, every family helped it matters. It gives children hope. It builds connection. It spreads kindness.
If you’re in Surrey this weekend and have a moment or a little extra consider stopping by Central City Mall and doing something meaningful. Because for many families, your small act could mean a Christmas full of warmth, joy, and a little magic.
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