For Tri-City residents looking to put a smile on Christmas shoppers’ faces, consider lending a hand at the Share gift wrap station this month.
The kiosk at Coquitlam Centre — which supplies all the materials for the non-profit group to fundraise — is getting busier each day as Santa Claus’ arrival approaches.
Last year, Share “elves” wrapped 3,126 gifts in December, bringing in more than $8,700 in sales and donations to the community group.
And this season already looks promising, with shoppers regularly dropping off their presents at the station that’s located on Level 2, between the Gap and Aritzia (behind the Share toy drop-off).
Monday afternoon saw a steady flow, with customers handing over their recently bought pyjamas, jewelry, toys and trinkets for volunteers to adorn.
During the three-hour shift The Tri-City News took part, a father and daughter, a man and his girlfriend’s son, a couple, a mother of two and several teens dropped off their gifts — a few of them staying to watch their prized items get boxed and dressed up in colourful paper, ribbon and bows.
A Share supporter also popped by to hand over a $100 donation, and received a tax receipt.
With each present pick-up, there’s always an exchange of thanks, a smile and a “Merry Christmas.”
Hayley Knapp, Share event co-ordinator and fund development officer, said volunteers are sought during the mall’s opening hours: They need to be 16 years old and be able to stand for three hours.
An employee of Morguard, which manages the mall, is always in the kiosk to process the orders, handle the payments and to answer questions, Knapp said.
“Volunteering at the gift wrap and toy bank are super easy and fun ways to give back to the community,” she told The Tri-City News today (Wednesday), adding, “It is a great way to meet new people and learn new things while making an impact on people’s lives.”
• The Share gift wrap station is open until Dec. 24. Prices range from $2 to $10 and there is a limit of five presents per day. To help, email, hayley.knapp@sharesociety.ca.
jcleugh@tricitynews.com
