Coldwell Banker’s annual gift giving drive ‘Toys for Tots’ will be getting spruced up this season thanks to a new social media campaign.

Starting today until December 4, the real estate firm is launching a campaign to get 700 toys or gifts for local children, from newborns up to age 16.

In addition to its usual efforts to get schools and businesses on board with the scheme, they are hoping to reach out to the wider public and young adults through Facebook and Instagram.

Organiser Cratonia Smith said: “This year we are introducing the Facebook and Instagram element to Toys for Tots and encourage everyone to take part in it, whether it’s a company or individual buying toys for the campaign.”

Last year while organising the drive she noticed “a lot of the older crowd in the corporate entities” getting involved, but she hopes the added presence on social media will engage a younger demographic as well.

The toy drive will be led by a team of younger Coldwell Banker staff this year, including realtors Rebecca Viera and Sarah Faiella.

Ms Smith said the ladies brought a new kind of energy to the project.

People are encouraged to upload pictures of themselves online while they go out to purchase gifts or while hosting an office grub day or fundraising event.

“They can upload their pictures using Instagram and add #ToysforTotsBda. I will then add the best pictures to our Facebook page,” Ms Smith explained.

“I hope it will further highlight the community’s efforts and show how people are getting involved.”

She will also be showcasing photos of the Coldwell Banker Bermuda Realty team at work, so people can see all that goes on behind the scenes to make the drive a success.

“I thought it would be good to get people involved in the whole process from the beginning stages when toys are rolling in until the last day when we pick up the toys from our front window and give them to the Coalition for Protection of Children.”

The team start planning for the annual drive in September.

Although it takes hours of preparation, Ms Smith said it was all worth it in the end to know children in need won’t go without a gift at Christmas time.

“The other good thing is seeing everybody get involved, not just the corporate entities, but the individuals, because everyone is so willing to support our young children in need,” she explained.

“Last year we went to Warwick Academy and Somerfield Academy and it was nice to see children as young as five getting excited to support children less fortunate than themselves.

“It was also great to see the community efforts. We were so well supported and it really touched my heart so many who were willing to give. Even those who were struggling in this economy were looking to find out how they could contribute.”

Ms Faiella said she got involved with organising this year because of the special purpose behind the campaign.

“I’m excited to be a part of something that gives children a Christmas experience that they may not have had if it wasn’t for Toys for Tots,” she said. “Also, the response from the community is so overwhelming, it’s just a fun, beautiful thing to be a part of.”

The Coalition typically assists over 500 children and their families each year. In addition to providing gifts, they also give families grocery and electricity vouchers so they can have a happy holiday season.

Any toys the charity isn’t able to use are given to other groups in need, like the Salvation Army, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and The Family Centre.

In addition to toys, people are encouraged to give gift certificates, iTunes cards and sporting goods geared towards older recipients.

‘Toys for Tots’ drop boxes will be located at Coldwell Banker, Annex Toys, Arnolds, Grohams, Hunts, Heaven Sent Baby Boutique, Little People’s Toys and Daisy & Mac.