The City of Cambridge is renewing its partnership with the Salvation Army this holiday season by providing free space for the organization’s annual Toy Mountain toy drive, a program that supplies thousands of local children with gifts each Christmas. Municipal officials say the arrangement reflects the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-based social services, particularly during a period of heightened need.
The city announced Friday that the first floor of the Preston Scout House has been made available at no cost to the Salvation Army for use as its 2025 toy donation and distribution hub. The location will serve as the central site for receiving, sorting and packaging gift donations for children aged 0 to 16 across Cambridge. The facility will remain in use by the organization until January 9, 2026.
“I’m pleased that we are able to once again step in to help the Cambridge Salvation Army find a space to continue their important work,” said Cambridge Mayor Jan Liggett. “The community benefits greatly from their efforts to ensure every child in the community has a gift to open this holiday season.”
The city has supported the Toy Mountain initiative in previous years through the provision of temporary space. In 2024, Cambridge granted the Salvation Army free access to the former RBC building at 637 King Street East, allowing the charity to operate its seasonal toy shop without added rental costs. City officials noted that the building is now occupied, prompting staff to explore alternatives to ensure the campaign could continue without disruption.
After meeting with organizers, staff offered the Preston Scout House as a substitute location. The facility, centrally situated and equipped with ample floor space, allows volunteers to sort, label and distribute donations efficiently, while also providing room for families to pick up items in a structured environment.
“The Salvation Army Cambridge Community Services would like to express our deepest gratitude to the City of Cambridge for the loan of the Preston Scout House to accommodate our Christmas Toy Mountain Toy Shop for this year,” said Salvation Army Executive Director, Danette Woods. “It had been our intention to use our newly renovated facility on Shade Street to accommodate the Toy Shop, but unfortunately it was not ready on time. When I reached out to the City staff, they were eager to help us once again. Thanks to the City, our crucial program can run normally, and the children of Cambridge will receive their Christmas gifts and toys as normal. Organizationally, of course, we will benefit from the use of this building by having donated space from which to operate, but it is the children of this community who will benefit most from the generosity extended. Thank you for your care and support.”
The Toy Mountain campaign is one of the region’s largest seasonal charitable drives, providing toys or gifts to approximately 3,000 local children each year. As demand for assistance continues to rise across many Ontario communities, charitable organizations such as the Salvation Army increasingly rely on community partnerships to offset operational costs and maintain capacity.
Providing no-cost municipal space helps reduce logistical pressures on local non-profits, many of which operate on limited budgets. City officials say the collaboration aligns with Cambridge’s broader strategy to support vulnerable residents and strengthen relationships with social service providers that deliver frontline community care.
Residents wishing to contribute can donate new, unwrapped toys at the Preston Scout House, located at 1580 Queenston Road. Cash donations are being accepted at Salvation Army kettle locations throughout the city from late November until Christmas Eve, as well as online by visiting donate.salvationarmy.ca.
The Salvation Army encourages early donations to allow volunteers more time to sort and distribute gifts before the holiday deadline. The organization typically serves families who are facing financial hardship, including those affected by rising living costs, limited employment opportunities, or sudden changes in household circumstances.
Community members seeking more information about the Toy Mountain campaign can visit TSAcambridgeON.org, email [email protected], or call 519-623-2520.