Moncton Headstart’s annual Toyland campaign that helps those in need is officially underway.

But they’re anticipating a big increase in demand this year.

Executive Director Caroline Donelle says last year almost 1500 kids received toys, “Toyland is generally all the generosity of the community, donations, local community providers, and everyone donates unwrapped toys to Moncton Headstart. We go through a process where families in need who are struggling, can come in and get gifts for their children.”

She expects with all of the inflationary pressures, that number will be up for 2023.

“We just opened on Tuesday, November 14 and registration runs until December 14. However, we’re a little bit concerned about supply this year. We have been advising people who are signing up for registration that we may have to close appointments. If we run out of stuff, we can’t we can’t deliver toys obviously,” Donelle adds.

She says they also lost one of their main sponsors this year, who previously supplied around a week’s worth of donations.

Moncton Headstart has made a few changes for this year. After registering you can make an appointment. When you arrive, you’ll show your ID, along with proof of income. From there you will be able to walk through Toyland, choosing for kids between the ages of one and 18. You can pick two toys per child, along with a book.

“If you can afford to buy an extra toy or two when you’re out and about doing your Christmas shopping, that’s fantastic. If you can’t get out to do Christmas shopping, maybe you’d like to make a financial donation. We’ll take those donations and buy more toys for Toyland,” Donelle says.

Donations can be dropped off at Moncton Headstart from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm. Monetary donations can be made online.