GIFT HARVEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 285, 2 December 1933, Page 10

GIFT HARVEST.

TOYS, TOYS, TOYS.

LORRY AND CAR LOADS. SUCCESS OF SCOUT DRIVE.

Scooters, tricycles, dolls, tennis racquets, footballs, games, books and a host of other toys that will bring joy to many a poor, child* this Christmas have been pouring into the central receiving depot for the boy scouts' toy drive today. The response to the appeal has exceeded all expectations. In many cases children have made real sacrifices' of their most treasured possessions , for the benefit of those who have no toys to brighten their drab lives. Many households without children have contributed gifts of money. The appeal originated from a suggestion of Mr. G. S. White, late scouter of the 90th Montreal Troop, who has participated in similar drives in Canada, tc the metropolitan secretary, Mr. J. M. Middleton. The idea was worked out in co-operation with the metropolitan commissioner, Mr. W. J. Holdswortli. A "toyshop" committee of parents was formed with Major A. T. Dow as chairman, who allocated the districts and did the general organising. Working bees of scouts and rovers from Auckland troops will be liekl for the next two weeks or so to repair any toys that are damaged, but the majority of them need very little doing to them. "A little paint to freshen them up," said Mr. White, "and an odd wheel repaired, or a doll's arm mended, and they will be as good as new." An indication of the amount that has been received may be judged from the fact that the Kitchener troop collected a ton truck full of toys from the Mount i Eden district alone, and three large car loads by the Whakahana troop and cub pack from Point Chevalier. Many others were yet to come at the time of going to press. | When all the articles are finally repaired and sorted into parcels they i will be given to the various charitable 1 organisations, and missions for disfcri- > bution in the Auckland district. It is thought that this will obviate the pos- 1 sibility of duplication, or missing any i deserving cases. Distribution will be completed in time for Christinas, so | there will be many a poor child who will ! have a happy time during the festive season. The central receiving depot in Albert Street has been loaned to the Boy Scouts' Association by Dearsly's, Limited.