Share the Joy is name of Share Family and Community Services' holiday giving campaign and Sylvia Ceacero got to see the joy of receiving first hand recently when a Syrian refugee mom picked toys for her seven children.
"It was wonderful, she was just beaming," the Share CEO said, describing a recent toy bank where low-income families who are registered can pick up toys for children 17 and under. "Now she'll be able to give her kids a holiday season like the one experienced by other kids."
Thanks to community donations and the work of volunteers, Share will provide more than 1,500 children with a special gift, Ceacero said. The community social services agency is also collecting food for holiday hampers for registered clients.
In the coming weeks, families, seniors and struggling individuals will be be able to collect hampers containing a little extra something — a gift card to purchase a special holiday treat.
"We can do this because of generous cash donations," said Ceacero, who praised the generosity of Tri-City residents and the volunteers who make the holiday giving campaign so successful.
And there are still several ways the community can contribute, Ceacero said.
Donations of food and cash are still needed to keep food bank shelves full through the winter and people are encouraged to attend the many events and food drives taking place around the community this holiday season.
The by-donation gift wrap booth is operating mall hours through Dec. 24 at Coquitlam Centre, and toys are still needed for the toy bank.
Ceacero said children appreciate the gifts, and toys are needed for kids from birth to age 17, and while it's easy to choose a toy for a youngster, teenagers are harder to buy for so Share appreciates the donation of gift cards for the older children.
Among the items being sought are books, fun puzzles, games, toys, new warm winter coats and hoodies, toys for boys and girls, and lists of needed items are available at the Share giving tree.
You can also host a fundraising event for Share or be a sponsor in the Caring Neighbour program. For more information on how to donate and volunteer this Christmas, visit www.sharesociety.ca.
