Copyright Kingstonist
This holiday season, Anchor Concrete and the BGC South East are teaming up to “spread cheer and ease the burden on families in need,” according to a joint media release. Together, the organizations hope to provide 1,500 Christmas stockings filled with gifts for local kids and teens through the Christmas Stocking Fundraiser. “Our programs have grown incredibly over the years, and so has the need for support,” said Heather Cunningham, Director of Programs & Evaluation at BGC South East. “With two daycares, eight after-school locations, dozens of evening programs, and a teen program, we are serving over 1,500 children and youth during the school year.” Community members are invited to donate stocking stuffers such as toys, books, mitts, and snacks. “The neat part of this initiative is filling the stocking with useful items — we welcome toys, but are also looking for donations of essential items like toiletries and warm clothing accessories, which everyone needs,” said Darrell Searles, President of Anchor Concrete. “We will be making age-appropriate stockings from toddlers to teens, so we are taking donations for ages 0-18.” The initiative calls on the community to: Donate stocking stuffers such as toys, books, mitts, toiletries, and snacks. Donate a full stocking, organized by age group. (See below for age groups/ideas.) Contribute monetary donations, gift cards, or certificates/coupons from local businesses. Sponsor stockings (for example: $1,000 fills 10 stockings). As part of this holiday initiative, Anchor Concrete is offering a 5 per cent discount on Anchor stock products to anyone who donates $500 to the Holiday Stocking Fundraiser, according to the release. Donations can be made as a cash contribution, five or more complete stockings (valued at $100 each), or stocking stuffers totalling $500. Proof of donation is required. “This is Anchor’s way of saying thank you to those who join in making the holidays brighter for local families,” said CEO Jeff Bradfield. “We were just amazed when visiting the Club location and learning about everything they do in our community. We are proud to lead this campaign and encourage other businesses to support local families.” In response to Kingstonist inquiries, BGC South East shared that Anchor has supported Club programs over the last decade, including aquatics programs, youth environmental stewardship, and the Making a Difference Speakers Series. “We are grateful for their leadership in this holiday campaign, and in making the holiday season special for families in our community,” said Amanda Guarino, Director of Resource Development and Communications for BGC South East. The organizations provided a list of suggested stocking items by age group, as follows: Infant (0-3 years): Teething toys Soft plush toys Baby books Rattles Pacifiers & clips Baby socks or mittens Bath toys (rubber duckies) Sippy cups or snack containers Soft blankets Baby wipes/travel packs Gift Cards for baby stores/products Preschooler (3-5 years): Crayons, markers, colouring books Play-Doh Stickers & sticker books Small puzzles Socks Mittens, hats, etc. Toy cars/trucks/dolls Storybooks Bubble bath or bath toys Snack packs (fruit snacks, animal crackers) Child (6-12 years): Books Lego Small games (playing cards, card games) Craft kits (friendship bracelets, bead kits) Sports gear (hockey pucks, baseballs, skipping ropes) Fun stationery (gel pens, journals) Mittens, socks, hats Gift cards ($5–10 for Tim Hortons, Dollarama, etc.) Fidget toys or Rubik’s cubes Water bottles Teen (13+): Gift cards (coffee shops, fast food, Cineplex, online stores, Amazon) Movie passes Phone accessories (charging cables, earbuds) Makeup wipes, lip balm, nail polish Deodorant, body spray, toiletries Fitness passes/coupons Socks Reusable water bottles/tumblers Notebooks/journals Sports gear (pickleball/tennis balls, hockey pucks, badminton rackets) Snacks (chocolate, protein bars) Donations will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 8, 2025, and can be dropped off at Anchor Concrete (1645 Sydenham Road) or BGC South East (1300 Bath Road).
