CAP prepares for annual holiday toy store

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Community Assistance Program (CAP) volunteers are busy gearing up for this year’s holiday toy store. 

The Blaine nonprofit began accepting gift donations and opened registrations for its Community Toy Store on November 1. The annual program allows Blaine and Birch Bay area families living on limited incomes to purchase toys for their children at the toy store in December. Families may purchase toys and gift cards that are discounted about 75 percent, meaning $15 will purchase $60 worth of gifts. Proceeds will be donated to The Bridge Community Hope Center emergency fund, Valley Church Essentials and Loads of Love. 

“I love the way it has a ripple impact in the community by supporting different organizations, getting parents involved and letting them support the community with their shopping dollars,” said CAP volunteer Laura Vogee. “It supports so many people in different sectors of the community.”

The store will remain the same as last year, with an addition of free Christmas ornament craft kits being handed out as stocking stuffers, Vogee said.

Donations

People can donate gifts online through the Launching Successful Learning Store in Bellingham and Amazon wish lists. More information is available on CAP’s website. People can also purchase new, $20-50 toys such as craft and science kits, Legos, building toys, musical toys, scooters, book sets, sleeping bags and play tents. Toys should be for children 2-12 years old, not gift wrapped and have the regular retail price included. 

Gift cards of $25 value can be purchased for middle and high school students. Event organizers recommend cards from Barnes and Noble, Best Buy, Michaels, Happy Teen, Happy Treats, Hobby Lobby and discount store combination cards. CAP doesn’t need Old Navy or American Eagle gift cards as there are still many left over from the 2021 store. 

Cash donations can also be made on CAP’s website or by a mailed check. Checks should be made out to Community Assistance Program with “Community Toy Store” in the memo line and mailed to 508 G Street in Blaine. 

Toys can be dropped off at several locations in Blaine, Birch Bay and Semiahmoo, in addition to many churches expected to participate. Donations will be accepted until Friday, December 2. Below are a list of locations and what is accepted.

• Blaine Library – toys and gift cards

• Blaine Senior Center – toys and gift cards

• Pacific Building Center – toys only

• Windermere Realty, Birch Bay Square – toys and gift cards

• The Bridge Community Hope Center in Birch Bay – toys and gift cards

• Birch Bay Village Rec Center – toys and gift cards

• Semiahmoo Golf Club – toys and gift cards

• Semiahmoo Marina Cafe – toys and gift cards

• Inn at Semiahmoo – toys and gift cards

• Semiahmoo Athletic Club – toys and gift cards

Registrations

Eligible families must live within Blaine school district boundaries, meet the income requirement for free or reduced lunch and not be receiving other holiday gift assistance. Families living in Blaine school district boundaries with homeschooled or preschool children can register for the toy store as long as they meet the income requirements. 

Toys will be set up in a store-like setting at Valley Church, 1733 H Street, unit 260 in the Cost Cutter plaza. Parents will shop during designated time slots from Thursday, December 8 to Saturday, December 10, with the possibility for additional dates. Registration will be open until Sunday, November 27 online and by phone for those who cannot sign up online, 530/828-5195. Preregistration is required.

CAP is a nonprofit that serves Blaine, Birch Bay, Custer and Point Roberts residents through the Thanksgiving baskets, winter coat drive and crisis assistance.

To register for the 2022 CAP Community Toy Store, visit blainecap.org or call 530/828-5195. More information is available on the CAP website for those registering and donating to this year’s store.

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