These days during Christmas, St. Nicholas aka Santa, or if you like, Father Christmas is likely to receive less traditional requests. Long gone are the days when gleeful children bounded to the Christmas tree expecting their requests of the latest barbies or toy trucks to Santa granted. These days, it’s iPads, a new phone, or even the latest PS5! Requests move with the times. As the world becomes more technologically advanced and reliant, so do the presents, a topic beijingkids covered at length in our November beijingkids Magazine tech issue.
But for many kids, the thought of a new toy, even used, is more than enough to ignite the lasting spirit of Christmas in their hearts. Many kids in Beijing, and indeed China from less advantaged backgrounds tend to slip away from our minds as we trudge along in our expat bubbles, recreating Christmas festivities from our home countries in our new Beijing home. Let us however not forget that this season is also a season of giving to those who might not have the same blessings in our lives as we do. Never has the adage ‘one man’s trash is another man’s treasure’ been truer than in this period of the year, as we dig through once cherished knick-knacks, clothes, and toys, contemplating tossing them to make room for new ones. Before you pull out the trash bag, consider whether that toy your child might not find as precious anymore might not be an endless source of childhood glee for another less fortunate child.
That is why The Great Human Connection is hosting a toy donation drive called Toys for Tots, an initiative to provide toys to less fortunate children in Beijing. Here is how it works.
1. Donate a new or gently used toy. All the toys will be forwarded to MCF (Migrant Children Foundation) as gifts of under-serviced children.
2. Sponsor a child through a monetary contribution. All sponsorship funds will be donated to the disabled students of OLH (Our Learning House).
And aside from the joy that comes from a giving heart, there are fantastic promotions to be enjoyed by those who donate! Participants will be able to enjoy one free Christmas Sushi Roll at Hatsune Taikooli with each drop-off. One per customer. They will also be able to enjoy a 30% discount at Riva Cafe and Restaurant with each drop-off, but please note this only applies to one per customer.
Below are donation drop-off locations across the city.
Hatsune Taikooli (Yoona)
Taikooli South 3F S4-33, Sanlitun North No. 19, Chaoyang District
Riva Café & Restaurant (Xiaolong)
Jinmao Residence No. 23 compound, 3-5,3-6, Chaoyang District
Sandalwood Marriot Executive Apartment (Debbie O’Brien)
Jian Guo Rd. No. 23, Chaoyang District
Lee Garden Service Apartments (Si Li)
Jin Yu Tutong No. 18, Dongcheng District
Riviera Country Club Shunyi (Helen Boyle)
Xiangjiang North No. 1, Shunyi
If you wish to make a financial contribution to sponsor a child, then please scan the QR code below and also be able to enjoy a Christmas Sushi Roll at Hatsune Taikooli and a 30% discount at Riva Cafe upon providing digital proof of payment.
This promotion lasts until December 21. Let your old toys be the source of new joy to Children in Beijing.
KEEP READING: Beijing’s Best Family-Friendly Events Dec 4-6
Photos: Courtesy of The Great Human Connection
