Toys for Tots lets parents keep their dignity

By Lethbridge Herald on November 25, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

The Salvation Army’s Toys for Tots campaign is getting ready to welcome parents to “shop” for Christmas presents for their children beginning on Dec. 10. 

Lt. Zach Marshall, community ministry’s officer with the Salvation Army Lethbridge said this year they are expecting to help 500 children. 

“The way the program works is, we solicit donations from our community, and we have some drop boxes around the city, such as at Centre Village Mall or at Toys-R-Us, and then families will have the opportunity to come in and shop for their children at our toy shop,” said Marshall. 

He said this way parents can come in and pick out the toys for their kids and enjoy the Christmas experience with dignity. 

“That’s the most tangible way that we can help at Christmas time in terms of providing assistance to families,” said Marshall. 

He explained that the toy shop will be set up by age, a section for babies zero to two years old, and three to eight years old and another section from nine- to 13-year-old and then a section for teenagers.   

“We have some parameters on how many toys they can get, but it mimics shopping in the store because they can browse, have a look and really provides dignity that way instead of having our staff just pack everything into a bag for them,” said Marshall. 

When speaking about the items they need the most in terms of donations, he said they are typically in need of things for babies and toddlers, from zero- to two-year-olds. 

“As well as things for teenagers as they are a little bit harder to shop for. Not so many toys necessarily, but there’s also all these things to have on hand, like some personal care items, hygiene items, things like that,” said Marshall. 

He said for families with teenagers they offer Park Place mall gift cards, to give teenagers an opportunity to go shopping after they receive them for Christmas. 

“But it is also nice to have some of those other things, like hygiene items, personal care items, clothing, different things like that,” said Marshall. 

In terms of financial donations, Marshall said people can either donate online at lethbridgesalvationarmy.ca, or by stopping by at their office location at 1302 4th Avenue South. 

“We also have our Christmas Kettle campaign that’s launching on Nov. 26 and that’s our largest financial fundraiser of the year,” said Marshall. 

He said this year they are looking to raise $200,000 to support the work they do at Christmas time, but also the programs and services that we offer year-round. 

“If somebody was wanting to give financially, we will put that to work because there are instances where we do have to purchase toys if we need a certain area of toys or gift cards,” said Marshall. 

He said people can also donate gift cards to the mall in any amount or to a few places in town that are great options as well. 

“Other safe options would be Walmart or Toys-R-Us. We really can put those to use as part of our Toys for Tots campaign,” said Marshall.