Riley Mercer Memorial Toy Drive in full swing

By Mark Squibb/November 25, 2022

When Louise and Bernie Mercer first suggested a toy drive in memory of their son Riley Mercer after toys had been stolen from the Long Pond Salvation Army back in 2014, they had no idea that nine years later, the Riley Mercer Memorial Toy Drive would still be going strong.

“We spoke to Major Lorne Pritchard when some toys were stolen from a storage area at the Salvation Army, toys that had been purchased when the Radio Shack closed down, so we came up with the idea and said, ‘Lets try a toy drive,’” said Louise Mercer. “And Major Lorne said ‘Okay, lets give it a try.’ And the first year was a success, and it has continued to grow each year. So, as long as it’s growing, and we stay as busy as we are, the toy drive will live on forever in CBS.”

Louise said that, as of this week, over 100 families have registered for toy hampers, and that typically, the last week of registration is the busiest.

“Some try and do it themselves, but at the very last minute it comes upon them that they do need help,” said Louise. “The need continues to grow each year, the numbers go up each year, and this year is no different.”

Usually, over 200 families register for a hamper.

The toy drive, which is only one of several community events the Mercers host to honour the memories of their children Alex and Riley Mercer, both of whom passed after battles with brain cancer, will be held on December 10 at the Salvation Army Church in Long Pond.

“We have a beautiful service lined up, with some special singers and some special messages,” said Mercer. “It’s always a beautiful evening, and people always say it’s the start to their Christmas season. For myself and my husband, it is our Christmas. It is one day that we celebrate Christmas without Riley and Alex here with us. So, we choose to celebrate on December 10. That’s our Christmas for us, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day all in one.”

Louise and Bernie will be at the church between 2 and 3:30 p.m. to accept gifts, but Mercer encouraged folks to come out for the 4 p.m service, which had been cancelled the last number of years due to COVID-19, if at all possible.

“We want to see everybody come out for Alex and Riley and help us keep their memory and their spirit alive here in CBS,” said Mercer. “We would love to have the church full. The seating in the church has grown this year so the church has a larger seating capacity, so we’re hoping to fit more in. So, we’d really like to fill the church.”

Registration for a toy hamper is open until Christmas Eve.

Volunteers are asking for diapers, skateboards, scooters, make up kits, games, craft kits, and more to help complete families’ wish lists.

You can also donate funds to lousiemercer@nl.rogers.com.

“Whatever money I receive through EMT, cash, or gift cards, I personally go out and do the shopping,” said Louise. “I go out and do my best to meet the demands on the wish list.

The event is put off each year with the help of many volunteers and community folks.

“They have been amazing,” said Louise. “From parking attendants to helping bring in the gifts and sort them under the tree, they’ve been amazing.