It won’t be long before Sinterklaas sets foot in Drenthe again. This can be a difficult time for children living in poverty. That is why Lions Club Assen Drentsche Aa is collecting toys and money to give them a fun Sinterklaas evening. The organization is doing this for the first time this year.
The Social Shop organized this for this purpose, but it is struggling with a shortage of hands. “Then the owner asked if we wanted to do it, because we can handle the demand,” says Hans de Willigen of the organization.
Because there are significantly more people who depend on this campaign. Demand has doubled compared to last year. While there were three hundred registrations in 2022, this year there are six hundred.
And that is why the Lions Club is now raising money and gifts. The gifts go to children in different age categories. With the money collected, the organization can buy gifts for children in age categories for which there are no packages yet. “And wrapping paper, because it takes a lot of wrapping paper.”
The children can expect everything. “Such as puzzles, board games, books and sometimes Lego or a cuddly toy.” Then it doesn’t just have to be new toys, second-hand toys that still look good are also allowed. “A little girl called me. She asked if I was the gentleman who collects presents for poor people’s children. She said, ‘I still have a lot of toys that I don’t play with very often, can I bring them over?’ Then your heart melts.”
Last Saturday was the first collection day and according to the organization it was a success. “We have received a lot of money, which is fantastic,” says De Willigen. Next week, on November 25, is the second collection day.