Toy Tea aids children It was ladies only today at the fifth annual Mississauga Toy Tea. Each one, and it seemed like there were hundreds in attendance, brought an unwrapped gift or gift card for a child staying at a local shelter. The women flowed from room to room and floor to floor at the Lorne Park Estates home of Evon Skinner, making it difficult to get an accurate count. They enjoyed a performance by the Mentor College Primary Children's Chorus, a fashion show by Skiis and Biikes, platters of goodies, coffee and tea. As always, the tea was hosted by the industrious trio of Anastasia de Maat, Elaine McGrath and Linda Sellers. Only the address changes from year to year. Sellers said the original Toy Tea has been going in Montreal for 20 years. She and her friends were inspired to start theirs after attending one in King City. In its first four years, the Mississauga event collected more than $50,000 worth of toys and gift cards for children in shelters. The event harkens back to another century. It's ladies only and guests must be invited. Its popularity has spread by word of mouth. "It's a tradition now because of its grassroots appeal," said Sellers. McGrath said it's about helping women and children in their own community. "There's a need and when there are children involved, people respond," she said. It's become such an institution that women start calling her a month before so they can put it in their calendars. This year, too, more sponsors are coming forward to help. Skinner said preparing the house took a little extra energy, but the hostesses helped enormously. While it's wonderful to do something for children in need, she said it's also nice to catch up with women you don't cross paths with that often. All the toys and gift cards collected will go to women and children in Armagh, Mississauga Life Centre and the two Interim Place shelters. Interim Place development coordinator Farheen Khan-Umer said the gifts are important. They connect the recipients to community at a time when they're feeling alone and life seems bleak. "The ones who are forgotten are newborns and teenagers," said Khan-Umer. "Just because they're in a shelter doesn't mean teens don't want electronics and things their friends want. For them, gift cards are wonderful." This was Danielle Manteiga's first Toy Tea, but it likely won't be her last. "Anything you can do to make a child happy any time of the year is worth it but Christmas is special," said the Mississauga mother of a three-year-old boy.