TORONTO -- A toy company played Santa yesterday, donating $50,000 in goodies after a tractor-trailer full of presents for needy families was stolen on Sept. 26.

"For every grinch there is a Santa, so Hasbro has come up with $50,000 worth of toys for Peels Toys for Tots program," company spokesman Sandra Paulini said yesterday.

"Now drive organizers won't have to worry and they know that whatever was lost, has been replaced," she said.

"We can't thank Hasbro enough. Because of the economy we anticipate the number of families who have fallen on tough times this year to be more than last year," Peel Regional Police Const. Holly Faulkner said.

"Not only did we have the trailer stolen, but we were starting behind the eight ball with the economy," she said.

Three men are in custody charged with the theft. Toys were being sold for $5 apiece although some were worth $60.

It's not known how many were sold. So far, only half the container has been located. Charged are: Wayne Ouimette, 42, of Etobicoke, Jason Cariine, 31, and Wayne Kenny, 27.

Toys for Tots is organized by Peel Regional Police, Canadian Tire and the Salvation Army. Nearly 600 police officers raised more than $700,000 in toy and cash donations last year to help 7,000 kids.

If you want to donate, contact call 905-453-2121, ext. 4033, or drop a toy off at the Salvation Army locations at 9395 Bramalea Rd. or at 8054 Torbram Rd., or donate cash or store coupons at Canadian Tire outlets.

SHARON.LEM@SUNMEDIA.CA