More than $105,000 in gifts and cash raised in Donnelly Group toy drive

Generosity comes in many forms over the holiday season.

For the Donnelly Group's 425 staff, it means dashing out to Toys 'R Us with a $50 company gift certificate to buy toys for poor kids.

That was followed by a party at Republic (958 Granville Street), where patrons also had a chance to make donations.

By the end of the 14th annual company toy drive, the company had raised more than $105,000 worth of cash and merchandise for for the Salvation Army.

Tomorrow, the celebrations continue at the company's Lamplighter Pub (92 Water Street).

Volunteers will head out from the Gastown establishment to distribute gifts in the Downtown Eastside, which will be followed by a holiday feast.

"At its heart, Donnelly Group is a family company and like most families, the Christmas season is hugely important to us," Donnelly Group marketing director Damon Holowchak said in a Christmas Eve news release. "The toy drive is our way of trying to give back to the community and making sure that as many kids as possible have happy memories of opening presents and enjoying Christmas Day."

Others are also showing they care. This evening, the B.C. Federation of Labour is holding its annual Christmas dinner for the less fortunate.

The 21st annual event takes place at the Maritime Labour Centre (1880 Triumph Street, Vancouver) and the Whalley Legion (13525-106th Avenue, Surrey).

The Fed has encouraged union members to volunteer their time to collect unwrapped toys, gifts, nonperishable foods, clothing, gift cards, and other presents to distribute over the holidays.