Community

FISH toy drive distribution begins for record number of kids

A generous rush of last-minute donations put Gig Harbor-Peninsula FISH Food Bank‘s 2022 toy drive over the top, despite requests for gifts for a record number of kids.

Shoppers browse items at Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank’s annual toy drive on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. Kathy Cummings/FISH Food Bank

Despite reporting a slow pace of donations in the final days of the drive, FISH ended up with plenty of gifts for the 777 children from who registered to receive them.

That number — 777 kids from 291 families — is the most FISH has served in its more than 20 years doing the toy drive.

“The community’s generosity has been outstanding,” FISH volunteer Kathy Cummings said. “We were able to put together full bags of toys for every child.”

Gifts donated to Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank’s toy drive await distribution on Thursday, Dec. 15.

Distribution of the toys started Thursday, Dec. 15. It continues from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday and 9:30 a.m. to noon Saturday for those families who have registered to receive gifts.

Registered families were given a time and day to come pick up their gifts. Anyone who missed their appointment should email [email protected].

Even as distribution for this year’s drive goes on, FISH volunteers are already looking ahead to 2023. Gifts donated at Sunday’s Lighted Car Parade, for instance, will be distributed next year.

Gifts not claimed in this year’s distribution similarly are either stored for next year, or donated to church or other charitable groups.

Shoppers load up their car with items from Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH Food Bank’s toy drive on Thursday, Dec. 15, 2022. Kathy Cummings/FISH Food Bank