More than $3,000 was raised for the Mission Springs Brewing Company's (MSBC) first annual Christmas Toy Drive.
Athena Green, marketing and special events manager for the company, and Tevor Nielson, brewer at Mission Springs, spent several hours filling up seven carts with toys at Walmart on Monday.
"We purchased a total of 260 toys with $3,045 in total funds, and even had some left over money to purchase gift cards," said Green, who also thanked Walmart for giving the group a 10 per cent discount on all their purchases.
The pair dropped off the toys at the Mission Christmas Bureau later in the day, and Green said it was an experience she would remember for the rest of her life.
Green, who just joined the MSBC team this year, spearheaded the drive. She gives to the Christmas Bureau every year and revels in seeing smiles on the faces of young children.
"So many families struggle," she said. "And Christmas is for the kids."
MSBC raised funds for the toy drive at the restaurant, pub, liquor store and City Hall Liquor Store. Patrons donated to the cause and staff organized fundraisers to help from Nov. 12 to Dec. 12.
"Our staff are incredible in the way they helped to market and collect for our toy drive," said Green, who also thanked MSBC customers for helping the group give back to the community.