It’s all hands on deck over at Christmas Care, with an important deadline looming.
Richard Auckland, president of Christmas Care reminds area residents today (Tuesday) is the deadline to register for this year’s festive food hamper and toy drive.
It is his belief that registration is up a little bit over last year when Christmas Care serviced around 3,700 individuals with about 1,600 hampers.
The food hamper is full of items to make a complete Christmas dinner, additionally there are toys and gifts for the children, along with hats, mitts, and scarves.
Thankfully, donations have kept pace with the bump this year in registrations, advised Auckland.
Registration will close at 4 p.m. at Memorial Arena and Auckland stresses it is a deadline that, unfortunately cannot be extended.
The program depends on an army of dedicated volunteers and support from local community groups like the St. Thomas Police Service, the St. Thomas Fire Department, Lions, Kinsmen and Rotary clubs, and many others.
And, there will be a continued need for volunteers, he stressed.
Auckland detailed the delivery and pickup game plan for next week.
Pickups at the arena run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. next Tuesday and Thursday.
Auckland provided the following update late Monday afternoon.
“Donations are up! We have seen a great outpouring of concern by our citizens, and they have risen to the occasion. Toy donations are way up and food seems to keep coming in. We will assemble the remaining required hampers Tuesday. Any food remaining will go to the Food Bank and other area food security organizations.
Distribution starts Saturday and runs into next week with pick-ups on Tuesday (A-L) and Thursday (M – Z). (Based on last name).
“Toy boxes fill our one 50-foot trailer so we seem to have more demand.
“Our registrations are about the same as last year with a slight increase.
“Next year, I will ask local businesses and individuals to let us know if they are conducting a toy or food drive. We’d like those groups to consider picking one item to collect as this reduces sorting on our end. Monetary donations are encouraged as we typically pay a lower price for foods as we buy in bulk.”
Written by Ian McCallum
