Elf Squad out in force for busy Christmas toy drive

A GEELONG-BASED Christmas charity is urging the community to release its inner elf after announcing the beginning of its annual toy drive at the end of November.

Now in its seventh year, Elf Squad has more than 30 collection points placed around Greater Geelong, Bellarine, Golden Plains, and the Surf Coast as it aims to gift Christmas presents to more than 750 local young people aged 21 and below across the region.

Elf Squad founder Stephanie Beitzel said this year’s donations drive had more than $100,000 in stock already through late donations received during last year’s drive, but the charity would always welcome more.

“We’re super excited to begin this year’s toy drive, because it’s an amazing feeling seeing so many people in the G21 region donating.

“Not just in terms of gifts, but also by gifting their time and spending it wrapping gifts at the Elf Squad Elf Factory which will open on December 12 at Vines Road Community Centre.”

The Elf Factory will operate daily up until Christmas Day, while gifts can be dropped off at collection points until January 5.

Volunteers who wish to contribute their time and work at the Elf Factory can do so for the nominal fee of $15 per adult, $10 concession, $5 per child, or $30 per family, with all proceeds going back to the charity.

“Last year we had about 100 people volunteer their time, but this year is going to be bigger. Pretty much everything will be.

“However, if people would rather let the elves do the shopping for them, they can provide tax-deductible cash donations as well.

“It’s just nice to know that this initiative is being well-received each year, because it is a big effort, but it enables anyone to make a contribution in any way they can.”

Ms Beitzel said Vines Road Community Centre would also host its annual morning tea on December 13 as well as the grand opening of the Elf Factory on the same day.

For the full list of collection points across the G21 area, head to Elf Squad’s Facebook page.