Carson Grant has been helping kids in need for more than 10 years, and he unfortunately sees that need growing more each year.

The dealer principal for Comox Valley Dodge has hosted an annual toy drive every holiday season, beginning when he worked in the Lower Mainland and he brought the initiative over to the Valley dealership five years ago. His goal in the Comox Valley Doge Toy Drive is to help neighbours, friends and families in the Comox Valley who need some extra help at Christmas time.

鈥淐hristmas is great, but often it鈥檚 not for many, and we want to minimize that. As a business, we鈥檙e part of the heartbeat of the community, and we looked to see where the one area that needs help the most,鈥� said Grant.

In its first year of operation, Grant said they assisted around 40 kids; this year, they are aiming to help around 250.

The toy drive is focused on children up to 16 years of age and is structured completely confidentially for those who wish to participate. Anyone who would like a toy for a child can send an email to CVDcares@comoxvalleydodge.com.

Anyone who would like to participate in the drive can do so, and Grant and his team are offering an extra incentive to help make the holiday season brighter for those in need. Anyone who wishes to drop off a new toy of $25 in value or more will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of four cash prizes of $500 (the toy must be dropped off at the dealership before Dec. 15).

They are also accepting cash donations at the reception desk that will be used to purchase toys.

The winners will be announced that day at 5:30 p.m. at their Christmas on Us event at the dealership and on their Facebook page.

All toys will be placed under the tree at the dealership - located at 278 Island Highway North in Courtenay - for a first come, first serve opportunity to choose a gift from Dec. 18 to 22.

鈥淚t鈥檚 very low-key where you can come in, give a name, pick up toys and leave鈥� we really want to be delicate and it鈥檚 completely confidential,鈥� added Grant.

鈥淭here are so many people who need help, and we鈥檙e happy to be the boots on the ground to do some of the heavy lifting. We are encouraging other businesses to do the same thing. It鈥檚 a privilege to be in this position, to have a business in this town and we want to help as many people out as possible.鈥�