Amid the flurry of holiday bargain hunting that marks Black Friday, Knights from Woonsocket (Rhode Island) Council 113 focused on a more meaningful mission: hosting their annual Christmas toy drive.
Joined by officers from the Woonsocket Police Department and other community volunteers, the Knights collected more than 2,500 toys for children in need during the event at Good Shepherd Catholic Regional School on Nov. 29.
This is the 14th year that the council has collaborated with the local police department to hold the Ron Auger Toy Drive, collecting new toys and donations that will bring a little extra Christmas cheer to hundreds of children.
“The toy drive is always a good day,” said Grand Knight Paul Lavallee. “Even if it rains, it doesn’t matter; the spirit is there. This year was the biggest toy drive we’ve had so far,” he added. “It was extremely well-attended, with a lot of support from the community.”
Thanksgiving weekend is traditionally one of the most active times for Knights’ charitable efforts across the United States, particularly for councils that participate in the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program. More than 10,000 coats were distributed over the weekend to children in 45 states. This year, the Order is on track to give away 300,000 coats — bringing the total number of coats distributed throughout the United States and Canada to 1.9 million since the program began in 2009. About 1,500 councils across North America participate each year.
The holiday weekend is also a popular time for councils to hold food and toy drives, including the Ron Auger Toy Drive in Woonsocket. What began as a humble family effort more than 15 years ago has grown steadily, thanks to assistance from Council 113. This year, approximately 300 children will receive gifts.
Ovide Auger, a member of Council 113 who died in 2021, began the tradition in 2009 to honor his son Ronald, a police dispatcher who died unexpectedly that year. Determined to honor his son’s love of Christmas by helping others, Auger worked with the Woonsocket Police Department to bring the toy drive to life.
Council 113 soon learned of the Augers’ efforts and offered its support, expanding the initiative’s reach. Auger, who was not yet a Knight, was inspired by the Order’s commitment to charitable giving and became a member in 2015.
Past Grand Knight Jeff Gaulin has had the privilege of being involved in the toy drive over the past 14 years since the council teamed up with the Auger family, who remain involved with the council’s charitable efforts. That first year, they collected only 75 toys, Gaulin recalled.
“What started as a small gesture quickly grew into something much larger,” he added, “especially after Brother Knight Ovide Auger joined our council and helped us forge a special connection with his family. Each year, this event brings together our members and their families, uniting us in the joyful work of bringing Christmas cheer to our community.”
After more than a decade of close collaboration, the Knights and the police department are able to run the event like a well-oiled machine, said Lavallee.
“The police take care of the paperwork, finding the families in need, how many children are in the family, their age-groups. And then the Knights help supply the toys,” he explained. “So it really ended up being a great partnership.”
In the weeks following the toy collection, volunteers — including Knights, police officers and high school students — sort and organize the donated toys. Working from a list of families provided by the police, toys are grouped by age and gender, ensuring that every child receives several gifts. The distribution will take place on Dec. 13 at St. Joseph Church, the home parish of Council 113, with both Knights and police officers present to pass out gifts and wish community members a merry Christmas.
“It’s more than just collecting toys; it’s about living out the message of Blessed Michael McGivney, building bonds, and serving those in need,” Gaulin said. “It’s a reminder of our core principles of charity and unity: We come together to help those less fortunate and bring smiles to the faces of children who might otherwise go without. Seeing the impact we make, knowing we’re part of something that spreads hope and joy, truly fills me with the spirit of the season.”
The impact of the Ron Auger Toy Drive doesn’t stop at Christmas. Police officers keep a supply of toys in their patrol cars year-round, bringing them out when a special touch is needed to comfort children during challenging situations.
“The Ron Auger Toy Drive … is a testament to the power of collaboration and the lasting friendships we’ve built,” said Gaulin. “Together, we’re not just distributing toys; we’re building a stronger community and making a real difference in the lives of local families.”
It’s a lot of work and a big time commitment, but Lavallee said the event is a Godsend for the entire community.
“This toy drive has really blossomed over the years and taken on a life of its own,” he said. “It means a lot to our council, to be involved in something that has this much meaning.”