Santa’s helper is taking the region by storm

Bill Hall – Kingston Whig Standard

Courtnie Storms is the driving force behind Storms Miracle Tree, a toy drive that has been growing in the Greater Napanee area over the last five years.

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Each year on average, about 500 children benefit from Storms’ efforts. However, this year it’s up to 645.

It’s unfortunate that registration is closed and we had to turn six families away today,” Storms said. “But if we get a rush of donations at the last minute, we will reach out to those families and help.”

One of the reasons Storms started this cause five years ago was that many toy drives don’t accept donations for children over the age of 12.

“Personally, I believe up to age 18, you’re still a kid. You’re still in high school,” she said. “Some kids understand if they’re left out, but it’s still upsetting.”

So in 2021, during the COVID pandemic, Storms began managing the project out of her home in Odessa at the time. Since then, the initiative has grown to require a lot more sorting and storage space. Storms Miracle Tree is now working out of an undisclosed location for security reasons.

Another reason Storms decided to step up and organize the toy drive was because she sees the growing demand and sees that poverty isn’t just for the poor anymore.

Read the rest of the article by Bill Hall here.