Every year since 1906, the Toronto Star has raised money to spread holiday cheer to underprivileged children in the GTA.

This year, 45,000 kids living in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Ajax and Pickering will receive boxes full of presents. The boxes contain everything from the practical to the palatable to the fun: warm clothes, cookies, books and more.

The goal this year, like last, is to raise $1.7 million. All the money goes to the contents of the gift boxes.

Clothing

Children aged two to 12 will get a warm shirt made locally and designed for the Santa Fund. The boxes come with toques, socks and gloves, and clothing featuring cute illustrations of tigers, giraffes and koalas. Of course, hygiene products are essential, so boxes for children eight and up include a toothbrush and toothpaste.

Newborns

The items included in the box for newborns consist of parenting essentials. Baby powder, diaper rash cream, cotton swabs, wipes, petroleum jelly, soap and towels are all included. And, to top it all off: a rubber fish toy that squeaks.

Books

Children aged two to 12 all receive books geared to their age. For the youngest ones, a “learning library” picture book from Scholastic Canada for learning new words. In the box for eight-year-olds, an edition from the classic Geronimo Stilton series about a mouse who works as an investigative journalist in “New Mouse City.” And in the box for 11-year-olds, “Night Flights” by Philip Reeve.

Toys

Each box contains toys relevant to the child’s age, from paintable figurines of underwater creatures to a nine-in-one set of various board games, including checkers, snakes & ladders, backgammon and chess.

Cookies

Arguably the most important gift of all: each child aged two to 12 will get cookies.

How to donate

If you’d like to donate to the Santa Claus Fund, you can do so online using our secure form; by phone using VISA, MasterCard or Amex at 416-869-4847; or by mail with cheques or money orders made payable and sent to The Toronto Star Santa Claus Fund, One Yonge St., Toronto, Ontario M5E 1E6. Donations are accepted until Christmas Eve.

Every donor will receive a tax receipt in January. Please call 416-869-4847 to request an acknowledgment card.

If you have been touched by the Santa Claus Fund or have a story to tell, please email santaclausfund@thestar.ca. Click here to donate now.