Canby Kiwanis Is Unwrapping Community Spirit

Want to make a child’s eyes light up during the holidays? Would you like to help families stretch their budgets to put food on the table for a special meal? You can play a part by helping with the Kiwanis Canby Community Food & Toy Drive, now through mid-December.

Kiwanis Club of Canby coordinates the effort, but “it takes everyone to make this happen,” according to Sharon Schneider, longtime chair of the event. “We love working with our partners in other civic clubs, businesses, churches, scout troops, and individuals to embrace the community.” Last year in Canby, the drive helped 510 families and 1,100 kids in Canby have a brighter holiday.

What is needed most? New, unwrapped toys and cash donations. Throughout November until December 8, area businesses and other supporters will host red toy barrels all over town to accept toys for kids through age 18. Cash donations are crucial to provide the grocery gift cards (which cannot be used for alcohol or tobacco). Canby Kiwanis also provides funds from operation of the Canby Kiwanis Thrift Store.

Donations can be made using a QR Code on barrels and in ads, by credit card at www.canbykiwanis.org, or by check to Canby Kiwanis Foundation – F&T, PO Box 1004, Canby, OR 97013.

From November 1 to December 8, anyone in need in the Canby School District can register for help at the Thrift Store, Canby Center, Canby Public Library, and Canby Adult Center. Then, on December 12, families who have registered can pick up food cards and toys. Volunteers deliver items not picked up on December 13.

Volunteers are the backbone of the Food & Toy Drive. Besides Kiwanis, several local organizations always step up to help, including Rotary, Scouts, local churches, Bridging Cultures, and The Canby Center. Several families have participated since their kids were little and now help as adults. Volunteers distribute and collect barrels, sort toys and fill donation bags. Volunteer opportunities are posted throughout early December on Facebook and the club website.

“This event is totally in line with the Kiwanis mission of ‘Serving the Children of the World,’” said Kiwanis Club of Canby President Judy Neighbours. “But we especially love it because we are helping so many kids and families right here in our own community.”

To volunteer, donate, or find more info on the Kiwanis Canby Community Food & Toy Drive, email canbykiwanisclub@gmail.com, or visit