That’s a Wrap on the 37th Annual DRPS Food and Toy Drive

The Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) has officially wrapped up its 37th Annual Food and Toy Drive, and once again, the generosity of our communities has been nothing short of extraordinary.

We are deeply grateful for the continued overwhelming support from residents, community partners, and corporate sponsors who helped provide food and toys to thousands of families across Durham Region this holiday season. Throughout the drive, members of the public shared appreciation for DRPS members and the dedicated Food and Toy Drive team who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Over the course of four and a half weeks, thousands of pounds of food and toys were collected from donors across the Region. This year, the demand for food and Christmas hampers continued to rise as many families faced increased food costs and cost-of-living pressures. As more households required support, our community stepped up in remarkable ways.

We were proud to welcome new donors this year and remain thankful for the many organizations that continue to stand with us annually to support those in need. Major donors included Ontario Power Generation Darlington, Phoenix A.M.D. International, the Mississaugas of Scugog First Nation Maada’ookii Committee, Swish Whitby, Federal-Williams Communications, McDonald’s Oshawa Head Office, the Region of Durham Works Department, Scotiabank Durham branches, and the Canadian Progress Club Durham South.

In total, 145 donation drop-off locations were established throughout Durham Region, including all DRPS divisions, participating fire halls, schools, and local businesses. Our committed team of volunteers completed more than 430 donation pick-ups, resulting in deliveries to numerous community agencies, charities, and not-for-profit organizations. Through strong partnerships with community-based support services, we ensured donations reached as many people as possible across the Region, travelling more than 6,800 kilometres in the process.

The success of the drive would not have been possible without the Food & Toy Drive vehicles generously loaned to us by local dealerships. A heartfelt thank you to our long-standing partners, including Mercedes-Benz Durham, Ontario Motor Sales, Fraser Auto Group, Marigold Ford & Lincoln, Gus Brown Buick GMC Whitby, and Durham Kia. We also extend our thanks to Durham Region Transit for assisting with the delivery of several large donation hauls.

This year, DRPS helped support more than 102 organizations across Durham Region, including food banks, community agencies, 34 retirement and long-term care homes, and Lakeridge Health—an increase of 16 agencies compared to last year. Thanks to customer purchases at four participating PetSmart locations in Whitby, Oshawa, and Pickering, more than 3,300 stuffed animals were donated and delivered to 43 locations, including hospitals, nursing homes, and community support agencies.

As we close out this year’s Food and Toy Drive, we want to especially recognize the generosity of local residents. Despite the financial challenges many families are experiencing, community members continued to give what they could—dropping off food, toys, and donations with compassion and care. Your kindness made a meaningful difference in the lives of thousands of people across Durham Region and truly reflects the strength and heart of our community.

Thank you to everyone who took part in the season of giving. We look forward to seeing what the 38th Annual DRPS Food and Toy Drive will bring.