Kids in the 49th Winnipeg Scouts groups are learning all about philanthropy.

The Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers and Venturers recently completed a toy drive to collect items for the Salvation Army’s Toy Mountain campaign.

Patti Adams, a Scouts volunteer who has two children involved in the group, suggested the idea of collecting toys to Scouts leaders and the project evolved from there.

Adams said she’s taught her children about the importance of philanthropy, and wanted to get all the children in the Scouts groups involved.

"I wanted to teach the group about philanthropy… I put the idea out to the kids about collecting toys so kids on Christmas morning wouldn’t have to go without," she said.

In November, the groups delivered more than 3,000 flyers to homes in south River Heights, Charleswood and Tuxedo.

Homeowners who wished to donate were asked to place the flyer in their window, and group members went back to pick up toys a week later.

The group ended up collecting more than 125 toys, which they took to Fire Station No. 12 on Taylor Avenue and Fire Station No. 18 on Roblin Boulevard. All Winnipeg fire stations participate in the Toy Mountain campaign by collecting toys for children in need.

"It was due to the hard work on the kids’ part… they were so excited that kids would have toys to open on Christmas," Adams said.

"Scouting is all about community involvement and getting out there and helping. They all (understood what they were doing) and they’re so proud of themselves."

Adams said she realized the children understood the importance of the toy collection after hearing a comment from one of the eight-year-old Beavers.

"He said on Christmas morning (he) always opens (his) presents and thinks, ‘Wow, look what I got,’ but this year (he) can think, ‘Wow, I helped make sure some other kids have toys on Christmas just like me’, " Adams said.

danielle.finch@canstarnews.com