It was a brisk day that was made warm by all the toys, food and other items donated in a Toronto Police, TTC and Toys R Us “Stuff the Bus” drive to help the needy in our community.

Officers of 22 Division teamed up with the TTC, Toys R Us, 22 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) on December 13 to fill a bus that was parked across from the Sherway Garden Mall with stuffed toys, games, some food and other items.

The bus was packed in hours with toys from generous members of the community during the daylong event, which saw a constant stream of residents brave the cold bearing gifts.

Police and donors were wearing masks and practicing social distance for the COVID-19 free event.

“People in the community were very generous with their time and donations,” says Sgt.  Lhawang Jongdong, of the Division’s Community Response Unit. “We did very well with donations considering the challenges we face.”

Jongdong says the items will sit for two days to avoid a possible spread of COVID-19 before it is distributed to social agencies and the needy in the area.

TTC driver Jessica Caramanico, who has been organizing the drive for years, is encouraged by the generosity of the community.

“All the toys will be going to deserving kids in the community,” she says. “They will be handed out at the local hospitals, social agencies and other places.”

Const. Julie-Anne Walker says the drive brings the community, police and the TTC together to help children during this time of the year.

“This is a great cause that help others in our community,” Walker says. “It is good for police as well.”

CPLC member Michael Georgopoulis says there were eight pellets of food items donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank and clothing and other items for the Salvation Army.

“Many of our supporters like the TD Bank were there to help us,” Georgopoulis says. “Our donors really came through.”

The annual toy drive by Toronto Police and the TTC has been taking place for a number of years and has helped hundreds of families. Police say anyone with new, unopened toys to donate can drop them off outside of 22 Division, at 3699 Bloor St. W.