The Hits Toy Run returns to Waikato to collect gifts for families in need

Vinnies general manager Mike Rolton and The Hits host Blair Dowling on the Toy Run bus a few years ago. Photo/ Danielle Zollickhofer

The Hits Toy Run is here and ready to bring good cheer to families facing hardship.

For this, the radio station is asking for pre-loved or new toys which will be collected by a special toy run bus from drop-off points across the Waikato.

After collection, the toys will be given to The Society of St Vincent de Paul in Hamilton to distribute to families in need.

The Hits Waikato daytime show host Blair Dowling said the annual Toy Run has been spreading the love across the mighty Waikato for more than 10 years.

“For families doing it tough around Christmas time, presents are usually the last thing they think about, so it’s great to be able to help.

“Seeing the excitement on the kids’ faces and the relief on the parents’ is humbling.

“It also gives parents the opportunity to have a conversation with their kids about the importance of giving.”

From Monday, The Hits Toy Run bus will travel to Morrinsville, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Matamata, Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton, to collect donations of new or old toys.

Visit The Hits Waikato Facebook page for the full schedule and updates.

Please note the bus will not accept soft toys for hygiene reasons.

In addition to the bus, The Hits will also host an Alpha Live Quiz for listeners and sponsors at the Wayward Pigeon on December 5 at 6.30am.

Register a team of six at thehits.co.nz and bring one toy per person as the “entry fee” to donate.

There are prizes for the 1st and 2nd place teams and spot prizes throughout the night.

Toy Run Bus stop schedule

Monday, December 1

• 9am to 9.30am St Joseph’s Catholic School, Morrinsville 
• 10am to 10.30am Morrinsville information centre 
• 11.15am to 11.30am Giant L&P Bottle, Paeroa
• 11.30am to noon Paeroa Catholic School 
• 12.30pm to 1pm St Joseph’s Catholic School, Te Aroha
• 1.30pm to 2.30pm St Joseph’s Catholic School, Matamata

Tuesday, December 2

• 9.30am to 10am Goodwood School, Cambridge 
• 11am to 11.30am St Peter’s Catholic School, Cambridge
• Noon to 12.30pm Victoria Square 
• 1.30pm to 2pm St Patrick’s Primary School, Te Awamutu 

Wednesday, December 3

• 10am to 3pm Kinetic Bus Depot, 56 Higgins St, Hamilton

Thursday, December 4

• 9am to 9.30am St Columba’s Catholic Primary School, Hamilton 
• 10am to 10.30am Marian Catholic School, Hamilton 
• 11.15am to 12pm Hamilton West 
• 1.30pm to 2pm Curious Cubs 
• 2pm to 2.30pm Forlongs, Hamilton
• 3pm to 3.30pm Lugtons, Victoria St, Hamilton

Friday, December 5

• 5pm to 7pm Wayward Pigeon, Hamilton

Saturday, December 6

• 10am to 11am, Garden Place Christmas Tree, Hamilton
• 12pm to 2pm, Kmart Te Rapa, Hamilton
• 2.30pm to 4.30pm, Coupland’s Te Rapa, Hamilton

Sunday, December 7

Hamilton Christmas Parade, 11am to 4pm