The Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS’s) annual Christmas Toy Drive is currently receiving gifts, gift certificates and cheque donations from the public, local schools, businesses and churches.

The initiative, which is distributing presents for a wide range of deserving people from infants to seniors across Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac, is receiving donations up until 3 p.m. on Friday, 21st December.

“The holiday season is a time when the department partners with the wider community in a very tangible way,” said DCFS Director Paulinda Mendoza-Williams. “In organising this annual toy drive we are harnessing the department’s reach, encouraging the wider community to spread Christmas cheer, while championing one of government’s broad policy outcomes of building stronger communities by supporting the most vulnerable. We are extremely thankful for the generosity of all our donors from the little girl who gave us her week’s pocket money to the firms that have cut large cheques,” she added.

Among the donations being dropped off at DCFS’s George Town office are bicycles, shoe boxes full of gift items and larger parcels for families, clothing, toiletries and personal care items, plus gift certificates from a range of local stores. Similarly, the department is receiving donations of Christmas meals for seniors and families; as well as sponsorships for tablets and laptops for those pursuing education or wanting to build on technology skills.

“We have had a tremendous outpouring of contributions for worthy recipients from the community this Christmas,” said DCFS Social Worker Sophia Walker, who is co-ordinating this month’s drive. “These initiatives are coming from diverse sources who having heard about our annual appeal are gift-giving so that no child or person goes without a gift to open on Christmas Day,” she concluded.

 To donate to the Department of Children and Family Services’ Christmas Toy Drive, please contact Ms Walker on 244-7235 or email her on [email protected].