Thanks to the generosity of West Kelowna residents and business owners, families on the Westside will have something to smile about this holiday season.

Gifts of varying size and complexity line the walls inside the Westbank Lions Community Centre. Busy Westside Salvation Army volunteers shuffle around ensuring the display is kept well-stocked. Every 30 minutes, two families come in, choose a handful of gifts, wrap them, and leave smiling.

Despite abnormalities in this year害羞草研究所檚 holiday season, it害羞草研究所檚 clear the community spirit in West Kelowna is alive and well.

A combined effort of toy drives and donations by local residents and businesses contributed to $22,000 in donations to the Westside Salvation Army, allowing them to purchase holiday gifts for others. Last Thursday (Dec. 3) 11 local restaurants offered the option of adding $5 to their bills, in order to support local families. This initiative raised a whopping $22,000.

Through this week, registered families are visiting the Westbank Lions Community Centre to pick up gifts for the whole family. From brand new trucks to dolls, to Lego, gift cards and even smartwatches, there害羞草研究所檚 something for everyone.

Each child will receive about $100 in gifts. The Salvation Army has enough new toys stockpiled to serve about 100 families, including about 300 children.

害羞草研究所淲e were really excited about the response,害羞草研究所� said Lenetta Parry with the Westside Salvation Army.

害羞草研究所淒onors can smile Christmas morning knowing there are lots of happy kids. We want to extend a heartfelt thank you out to all of the generous donors in the community who made this possible.害羞草研究所�

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Each family also receives a board game, and stockings stuffed with gifts and treats. In addition, when they害羞草研究所檙e heading out the door, families will be given even more. Every teen gets a gift card, 1st Class Autoglass And Upholstery is giving every dad a pair of free wiper blades, and mom receives a gift basket full of goodies.

READ MORE: Westside Salvation Army害羞草研究所檚 first dine out now on

This is the first time a toy store like this has been set up in West Kelowna. Parry said they expanded to meet a continuously growing need. Previously, West Kelowna families in need would have to travel to Kelowna for assistance like this in the holiday season.

Despite this large initiative already underway, Parry said it害羞草研究所檚 not too late to contribute to the cause. Visit , or stop by a local kettle to donate.

A mother of five and grandmother to three was one of many who stopped by the Lions Club on Dec. 9 to pick up gifts for her loved ones. She was extremely grateful.

害羞草研究所淚t害羞草研究所檚 important. The community support that Jenn(ifer Henson) and her husband provide to West Kelowna, it害羞草研究所檚 really known害羞草研究所� What they provide for families, it害羞草研究所檚 just really appreciated,害羞草研究所� said Heather Spence.

Despite the many young ones in the home, Spence always does her best to share the love. If there are extra toys leftover from what has been donated to her, she plans on donating them to others in the housing complex where she lives.

害羞草研究所淲e consider each other family,害羞草研究所� she said.

Do you have something to add to this story, or something else we should report on? Email: phil.mclachlan@kelownacapnews.com

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