For its first official donation, the new Fonthill and District Kinette Club donated to one of Pelham’s oldest Christmas projects.
The Kinettes, chartered in November, gave $200 to the Fonthill Volunteer Fire Association for the 25th annual Christmas Toy Drive.
The new 17-member service club was formed last year. During the summer, it provided parking monitors for Thursday night events in Pelham Peace Park.
The Kinettes drew praise for the diplomatic way they guided visitors to the Fonthill bandshell concerts, Pelham Suppermarket and Pelham Farmers Market to parking areas that did not interfere with customer parking for the Fonthill Shopping Centre.
Most of the club’s members are related to members of the Fonthill and District Kinsmen Club but it is not a requirement. Any woman can join.
Kinette president Carolyn Steven said the donation to the firefighters was to purchase gift cards and toys for children or teens who may not have something appropriate among toys normally donated.
Capt. Rod Richards, who has organized the toy drive over the past 25 years, said there are some who are difficult to match, particularly teens. Most donated toys are for younger children.
The weeklong toy and pet food drive runs from Saturday Dec. 6 to Sunday Dec. 14.
During the week, toys, blankets, dog and cat food can be dropped off at Pelham Fire Station No. 1 on Hwy 20 in Fonthill. The Fonthill branch of the Pelham Public Library, TD Bank, Meridian Credit Union, CIBC Bank, Royal Bank branches in Fonthill and Fenwick, and Town of Pelham Municipal Building will also receive donations for the drive.
A few years ago, pet food was added to the drive. It is those receiving food hampers who may have pets. Some of the food will go to the Welland and District Humane Society, which operates an animal shelter.
The toys will go to Pelham Cares for inclusion in its Christmas family hamper program, usually for about 60 families.
Richards said the Fonthill firefighters are grateful for the continued support from the community.
“The number of toys increases every year,” said Richards. “But unfortunately, so does the demand.”
