This year’s drop-off of donated toys at the EMS base will take place Tues., Dec. 13 – Chloe’s birthday.

Pack the Paddy Wagon Toy Drive in Memory of Chloe Wellman

“The community was great to us (when) we lost her. We just want to give back and say thank you.” Angela Wellmsan.

Article by John Campbell/Images submitted

Chloe Wellman

Trent Hills - Fri., Dec. 9, 2022- Dec. 13 is a special day for the Wellman family but this year it will have added meaning.

Chloe was born to Jeff and Angela on that day. Two years ago, at age 16, she was killed in a collision and the outpouring of sympathy and support her grieving family received from the community led her parents to organize a toy drive to honour their daughter’s memory and to pay forward the many kindnesses they were shown

Pack the Paddy Wagon Toy Drive was a huge success at Warkworth Institution where Jeff and Angela are both employed. It turned into an annual event that culminates with the couple, their children, and co-workers dropping off toys at the Emergency Services Base in Campbellford. The toys are then picked up by staff at schools in town to be distributed among students whose families are in need of a helping hand.

This year’s drop-off will take place Dec. 13 – Chloe’s birthday.
“It’s a perfect day to do it,” Angela said. “Maybe we’ll do that every year.”

The Wellmans made the decision to help others because “it makes you feel good, it really does” and “Chloe would really love” what we’re doing.
“The community was great to us (when) we lost her. We just want to give back and say thank you,” Angela said. “I love helping others, I love volunteering,” because the people who are helped “feel happier.” Last year’s Christmas toy drive “went really, really well … Chloe’s bedroom was full of toys.”

Thus far this year, there haven’t been as many toys donated but “we’re getting a lot more cash donations,” $1,700 at last count, Angela said.
She does all her shopping locally.

“Older kids are harder to buy for,” Angela said. “It depends on what they have at home. I try to give a variety … Movie passes (from Aron Theatre, where Angela is a volunteer) are always a great gift,” as are couponsfrom Master Sub (where Chloe used to work).

Donated toys can be dropped off at the Emergency Services Base or deposited in bins placed in stores throughout Campbellford. Donations of money can be made by sending e-transfers to [email protected].

Angela said the need for assistance has grown because “everything’s gone up” in price, leaving families with fewer dollars to spend on presents for their children.
“It’s tighter for people.”

With her being a social programs officer and Jeff a correctional officer at Warkworth, “we make a very good salary and have a very comfortable life, (but) a lot of people don’t.”

She urges those who do have the means to donate to give what they can, no matter how small.
“Your one gift can help, just one little gift,” she said. “If you give a smile to someone that’s payment enough.”

Angela thanked “everybody for their continued support,” but she was quick to point out there are other good local causes that people might want to donate to instead.

What’s important is the giving.

“It helps everybody out,” she said. “We live in a great community. It does embrace people … That’s why we like to give back.”

from left, Brooke Wellman (sister), Jeff Wellman (dad), Yuri CSC mascot, Angela Wellman (mom), Owen Wellman (brother).