In less than 30 days, Toolbox Niagara is once again kicking off its annual campaign collecting winter essentials and toiletries for the homeless.
The organization’s founder James Symons can’t believe how much the Thorold campaign has grown over the years.
“It’s crazy,” Symons tells ThoroldToday. “The first campaign we didn't even know if we were going to get enough response to even get it off the ground. The community has been great.”
And every year, the support keeps growing.
“I've had over 20 students from Thorold High sending requests that they would like to volunteer,” says Symons. “I'm just amazed and thankful for the community. The community that has brought us this far is just absolutely awesome.”
While Toolbox Niagara traditionally collects winter essentials for homeless men, this year they’ll also be targeting women.
“I've noticed when we're calling agencies to ask for numbers, there's more need for women's stuff than men's stuff,” says Symons. “It's our first time supporting the women, but I'm sure the community will get behind us.”
Symons hopes to put together 2000 care packages this year, which will be distributed to local outreach organizations.
“Our numbers are coming in and numbers are high,” he says. “But I don't ever fear our numbers rising because the community is generous.”
Symons says he has seen the need grow over the past eight years. He gives the example of an outreach agency that has upped their usual request from 15 care packages to 120 this year.
“I think there's still a lot of issues to be addressed with regard to housing and job security and poverty and the cost of living is on the rise,” Symons says. “Until those issues are addressed, I think we'll always have an increase in numbers. It would be great one year if we didn't have to do this, but I don't mind helping and giving back.”
This year’s campaign will kick off on the morning of October 24 at the new fire station at McCleary Drive.
That evening Toolbox is organizing a pasta dinner at Club Capri.
“We have meals available for the homeless as well so if anyone's unable to go, they can purchase a meal for the homeless,” says Symons.
As he’s preparing for this year’s campaign, Symons hopes to drum up more support.
“If you read this and you know an agency or people that could benefit from our care packages, you can reach out to us,” he says. “People don't have to be afraid to reach out to us if they want help or want to support it.”
The Toolbox Niagara pasta night will take place on Thursday, October 24 at Club Capri at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets for the event can be purchased at Sandra's Home Health Care in St. Catharines or JC Patissier on Front Street. You can also purchase tickets by emailing Toolbox Niagara.
Starting October 24 there will be donation bins for winter essentials and toiletries set up at JC Patissier, the Thorold Public Library, the new fire hall on McCleary Drive, and other locations in Thorold and St. Catharines.
