Thousands of children will have a brighter Christmas this year, thanks to The Salvation Army's annual Toy Mountain campaign. In partnership with CTV, the Army has begun collecting toys in eight cities across Canada and will continue to do so until December 20.

The Salvation Army’s Ontario Central-East Division officially kicked off its campaign on November 24 with salsa and tango dancers and dancing mascots. Held at Yonge-Dundas Square in downtown Toronto, Christmas in the Square invited community members to join The Salvation Army to celebrate the holiday season with music, sing-a-longs and hot chocolate.

As the air filled with music from the kettle band and other various performers, the cast from Bat Out of Hell: The Musical made an appearance to donate more than $400 worth of toys. Last year, in the Greater Toronto Area alone, more than 30,000 families were helped through this annual holiday toy drive.

To contribute to the campaign, make a donation online at SalvationArmy.ca and designate your gift to Toy Mountain, bring an unwrapped gift and drop it off at one of Toy Mountain's drop-off locations (click here to find a location in your city) or host your own toy drive.