Enjoying a hot holiday dinner with gifts under the tree isnB次元官网网址檛 always attainable for many people on the West Shore.
B次元官网网址淭here is a terrific need in the Western Communities, itB次元官网网址檚 not always visible to most of us,B次元官网网址� said Gayle Ireland, president of the West Shore Christmas Hamper Fund. We get all sorts of mixes (collecting hampers) from singles to large families.B次元官网网址�
The West Shore Christmas Hamper Fund prepares more than 650 hampers each year for families and individuals.
When parents pick up their hampers they visit a special toy room and B次元官网网址渟hopB次元官网网址� for the perfect gift for their children.
B次元官网网址淏arbies are great for the kids and so are big trucks and graters,B次元官网网址� said Paul Patrick, hamper fund treasurer. B次元官网网址淔amily games are also always welcome.B次元官网网址�
Children over 12 get a $50 gift card to Wal-Mart.
To make the hampers a success volunteers like Patrick ask people to donate new toys for children aged newborn to 11.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important that people help out. We have to understand people are going through a tough time,B次元官网网址� Patrick said. B次元官网网址淢y favourite part is watching the motherB次元官网网址檚 go through the toy room and them being able to select a gift for their child.B次元官网网址�
Aside from toys for the children, each hamper holds the makings of a holiday dinner, including a gift card to purchase a turkey. Volunteers are asking for gift cards to grocery stores spanning from $25 to $40.
Patrick has volunteered with the hamper fund for years.
B次元官网网址淚 just love it, itB次元官网网址檚 enjoyable to do,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淥ur baskets are teeming with food and we pride ourselves on that.B次元官网网址�
The hamper fund also accepts cash. All donated funds will be used towards purchasing food, gift cards or toys.
B次元官网网址淐ash is great, itB次元官网网址檚 perfect we can do more with it and we give tax receipts,B次元官网网址� Patrick said.
Donation deadline is Dec. 15. Hampers are picked up Dec. 16 through to 20.
The West Shore Christmas Hamper Fund location, 761 Station Ave. basement, opens Dec. 1. Operating hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m Monday to Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
