From parking ticket to holiday magic: Toys for Tickets program returns Nov. 1

Toys for Tickets is returning to the City of Kingston. This long-running annual program allows people to pay for eligible parking tickets with a new, unwrapped toy that will be donated to a family in need over the winter holidays. 

From Nov. 1 to Dec. 3, eligible parking tickets can be resolved by donating a new toy of equal or greater value instead of paying the fine. Throughout the program, information about Toys for Tickets will be distributed with parking tickets. 

“One of the best parts of the holiday season is the joy that comes from helping others,” says Ryan Burns, Supervisor, Enforcement Services, City of Kingston. “Toys for Tickets gives people the opportunity to resolve a parking ticket in a way that makes a positive difference for children in our community. Every toy donated helps bring a little extra excitement and happiness to local families during the holidays.” 

Toy donations can be dropped off at the City Hall Payment Centre, 216 Ontario St., during the following time period: 

• During the month of November and up to Dec. 3.
• Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Closed from 12 to 1:30 p.m. 

Conditions for acceptable toy donations 

• Maximum of one toy per ticket.
• Toys must be new and unopened.
• Toys requiring batteries or promoting violence will not be accepted.
• The value of the toy (after taxes) must be equal to or greater than the value of the ticket received. A receipt must be provided when donating.
• Tickets issued for unauthorized parking in an accessible space are not eligible.
• If a toy is not accepted, the ticket recipient remains responsible for paying the amount owing on the ticket. 

Recommended donations include games, cars, dolls and stuffed animals suitable for children ages 0 to 12. Toys for children aged 0-2 and 8-12 are especially needed, as these age groups typically receive fewer donations.