At Clarendale of Algonquin, we encourage intergenerational contact between our senior residents and kids because we believe that every generation has a lot to offer the others. So when the opportunity to support the Boys and Girls Club 2021 Big Red Toy Box drive came up last Christmas, our residents and staff were all-in.

According to Peter Franken, Executive Director, “Our community was one of 24 local businesses who helped the Boys and Girls Club collect 300 toys. In fact, our staff, residents and families were amazingly generous—contributing 56 toys of the 300 raised! I couldn’t be more proud of our team.”

Colleen Straka, Director of Marketing and Sales and Maureen Vande Logt, Director of Community Relations worked together to spearhead the Clarendale toy drive efforts.

In the first two weeks of December, leading up to the holiday last year, tables were set up outside select area schools in Dundee Township, and children received a Big Red Toy Box bag with a toy inside.

“Eight of the toys contributed by our charitable group were purchased online,” says Straka. “Perfect for generous individuals without a lot of time to shop!”

The Big Red Toy Box organizers at the Boys & Girls Club provided a QR code linking to five educational toys to purchase online through their website. The choices were fun and educational at the same time. Ranging in cost from $15 to $25, the gift list included a STEM kit, light drawing board, Lego® sets and a magnetic building set.