Sarnia's Seaway Kiwanis Club has stepped up in a big way to ensure a good Christmas for children in need in Petrolia and central Lambton.
Past president Donna Kelso said they've donated $5,000 to the Christmas for Everyone campaign.
She said the club knew it could help after hearing that thousands of dollars in toys, stored in the basement of the former PUC building in Petrolia, were destroyed by flooding earlier this month.
"We are just one club, out of thousands, that focus on supporting children in our community," said Kelso. "We're serving the children of the world, improving their lives one community, one child at a time. That's our slogan. We had the money, so it was a natural fit."
Belfor Property Restorations Company also completed the entire basement clean-up for free, she said.
The flooding occurred in torrential rain during severe thunderstorms September 11 that also spawned a tornado near Petrolia.
Kelso said the funds for their donation were raised through TV Bingo on "Your TV."
She said while the club has a long history of supporting projects and charities in the city, they're currently recruiting residents in the Petrolia area to create a Petrolia Kiwanis Club.
Anyone interested in joining is invited to email Kelso at kelsodonna@gmail.com.