Bradford paint store Decorator's Edge is collecting toys for its annual holiday toy drive, going to children in need.
The store has been hosting the drive for over 20 years, started by brothers and owners Lawrence and Jeff Hellings. It usually kicks off the weekend of the annual Santa Claus Parade in town in mid November.
"We collect right up to the 24th (of December)," said Jeff.
Decorator’s Edge first opened in 1991 operated by Lawrence and his wife, Gail. At the time, Jeff was part of the Bradford Rotary Club and decided to start a toy drive collection at the store, known as the Bradford Rotary Toy Drive.
When the Bradford Rotary Club disbanded in 2013, the brothers continued to collect toys at the store and donated them to Royal Victoria Regional Health Centre in Barrie and most recently, the Innisfil Food Bank who partners with Christmas 4 Kids Charity.
Christmas 4 Kids is a year-round charity, providing Christmas and birthday gifts to local children in need.
"A lot of organization goes into it," explained Jeff, who is now a Rotarian with the Innisfil Club. "Every year it's getting bigger and bigger."
"It's tough times for a lot of people, but there are people out there still donating and willing to help which is nice," he added.
The Hellings family has always believed in giving back to the community, especially after Jeff and wife Sharon lost their 25-year-old son Bob to cancer in 2010.
After Bob’s passing, the Hellings started a Compassionate Care Fund called ‘The B.O.B. Fund’ at RVH where people can donate to families who are going through cancer treatments.
Jeff also volunteers at the Community Church in Alcona, helping the Innisfil Food Bank with their gift hampers. He also plays 'Santa' at various holiday events in the community, bringing smiles to children's faces.
The store recently donated all the paint for the new secondhand shop The Clothesline in Bradford.
Decorator's Edge will be collecting new, unwrapped toys inside the store until Dec. 24. They are located at 284 Holland St. West. in Bradford.
