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$39,000 raised in record-breaking Corus Radio London toy drive for the Salvation Army

Thursday's toy drive aims to carry the success from last year's event, which reeled in a record-breaking $39,000 for The Salvation Army. Andrew Graham / Global News

Downtown London brimmed with generosity on Thursday as Corus Radio London held another record-breaking Drive-Thru Toy Drive.

A final tally revealed more than $39,000 was raised in donations for the Salvation Army.

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The toy drive aims to support the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hamper program, which began distributing food, grocery store gift cards and toys to families in need on Monday.

The toy drive was held at the Delta Armouries Hotel on Dundas St. and saw an array of cash, toys and all other donations for the Salvation Army pour in through the hotel’s lobby.

The toy drive began a decade ago on the Taz Show on FM96, before later growing to encompass Global News Radio 980 CFPL, Country 104 and 103.1 Fresh Radio.

“We wanted an easy way collect toys from people. Everyone is busy in the morning, so to be able to pull up and drop a toy off we thought was a great idea,” Taz said.

Along with Taz, another staple of the toy drive has been someone not often heard on the airwaves.

Emma Cripps made her way to the Delta Armouries to help out with the event in what marked the 14-year-old’s tenth year with the toy drive.

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“My mom brought me the first year and she told me, ‘you have a hundred dollars, get whatever you want.’ And then at the end she told me [I] have to give that all away,” Cripps said. “My mom told me I cried.”

Since then, the young helper has returned to the charity event with toys that are suited to her age group in hopes of leaving those in need with the best gifts possible.

Those who missed the toy drive are still able to drop off donations for the Christmas Hamper Program at the Western Fair Agriplex.

Last year’s Drive-Thru Toy Drive reeled in $29,000, a previous record that was smashed on Thursday.

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Corus, Global News raises $24,475 for the Toronto Fire Fighters’ toy donation

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