It is with mixed feelings that I am appealing to our community for help with our 33rd annual Share A Christmas Program. I am glad Community Centre 55 is here to help so many families in need, and yet saddened that so many families need our help again.
Whether we realize it or not, we all know someone or some family who needs help at Christmas. Last year it took hundreds of volunteers to ensure families in our community had Christmas dinner and children had toys to open on Christmas morning.
These wonderful volunteers left their homes on the day of the ice storm to help us pack and deliver all the food and toys to hundreds of homes.
If you have donated in the past I would like to offer my deepest appreciation. You have helped us serve thousands of individuals and families over the past 32 years.
Caught up in the glitz and glamour of Christmas, it is sometimes hard to remember that the gift some of your neighbours would wish for most is a hearty meal. The satisfaction of a well-fed child is a wonderful Christmas gift.
This holiday season help fill them with more than hope. Fill these families with comfort and joy. Dish them a Merry Christmas.
We really need your help!
Our Christmas miracle unfolds starting Thursday, Dec. 18 with packing and sorting of food and toys. All the food and toys that we receive will be delivered to families on Monday, Dec. 22, along with a hamper of perishable items for a hearty Christmas meal.
Please help us, so needy families can enjoy a festive meal and be able to have their children open a gift on Christmas morning.
We are taking donations here at Centre 55. You can also drop off non-perishable food with our friends at FreshCo (Gerrard and Victoria Park or Leslie and Lakeshore).
Easy ways to help your neighbours in need:
- A monetary donation to our Share A Christmas campaign helps us buy turkeys, fruit, vegetables and other perishable foods.
- When shopping, consider buying non-perishable products for donation: cereal, pasta and sauce, Kraft dinner, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meats and fish, peanut butter, soup, stews, and baby food. Pet food is also needed for cats and dogs.
- Plan a non-perishable food collection at your family or business parties.
- Support our Teen Angel program by buying much-needed teen presents or gift cards.
- Volunteer your time to sort, pack, and deliver food and toys to the families.
Remember every little bit helps.
Also, a big thank you to everyone involved in making the Beach Santa Claus Parade a huge success. This parade was the kick off to our Share a Christmas program, and generous donations from the parade help us purchase perishable food.
Thank you very much to everyone that helps us with our Share a Christmas program, you are truly appreciated. Give where you live, and hundreds of children will be truly grateful on Christmas day.
We are located at 97 Main St, and can be reached at (416) 691-1113.
A very merry Christmas to you and yours!
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