Editor’s Note: It is getting all holiday-ish around here the last couple of days. If you missed this morning’s craft post, check out the vintage ornaments Robin made from recycled lids and bottle caps HERE. This afternoon, it’s all about hope, community and the warmth of coming together for a fantastic cause.

The news that the Comox Valley’s Santa’s Workshop lost so many of its holiday donations in the flooding of last week has fostered an outpouring of love from businesses and organizations throughout the community to make sure all children across the Comox Valley and beyond are able to have something special for the holidays this year.

The floods that hit the area of Lewis Park so hard also destroyed hundreds of toys and stuffed animals from Santa’s Workshop that were set to head out to area homes for families who have been hit hard by lay offs and the economic downturn.

Our Big Earth and the incredible crew of businesses who make up our Community Builders and Feature Partners are joining together this season to help Santa’s Workshop regain its footing and be sure that kids in need this year have goodies in their stockings and under the tree.

For the next couple of weeks, a network of local businesses will have boxes set up where you can go and drop off toys, books and other new or gently used items for Santa’s Workshop.

We encourage you to take a look around your house and see what gently used items would bring joy to a young person this year and also consider a family donation of a new toy as part of this effort. Planet Kids is making that a bit easier. As a way of giving back, owner Pam Watson is offering a 25% discount on all toys in her stores if they are being donated to Santa’s Workshop.

You can drop them off at either Planet Kids location. Drop-off bins will also be available at the following locations:

- Zen Zero in Courtenay

- Organic Family Natural Home in Cumberland

- Bodynetix in Tin Town (courtesy of EcoLife Solutions)

- The Green Room in downtown Courtenay

- Eco-Centric in downtown Courtenay

- Brambles Market in downtown Courtenay

- Seeds Natural Food Market in Cumberland

Thank you so much for making this holiday season a bit brighter for families in the Comox Valley and lending a hand making sure Santa’s Workshop is able to make the holidays extra special for folks who need a helping hand.

Warmth and joy to all of you.

Robin, Ken, Meg, Bevin and the crew here at Our Big Earth