Neighbours helping neighbours for Christmas

Christmas is just around the corner and for most it is a festive time. But for some this is not the case.

As Community Centre 55 begins making plans to once again feed those in our neighbourhood who might otherwise go hungry at Christmas, I am reaching out to the community to make this possible. Please show kindness and support to those who are feeling the pain of poverty and misfortune right here in your neighbourhood.

The Christmas season can be a difficult time of year for those who are in need. The stress of the holiday season mixed with financial concerns can be a lot for anyone to handle.

Imagine what December 25 would be like without a Christmas meal and presents under the tree. Dish them a Merry Christmas.

We will provide food and toys to almost 1,000 needy families, so I am asking you to help by making a donation to our 34th annual Share A Christmas program.

Last year it took hundreds of volunteers to ensure families in our community had dinner and children had toys to open on Christmas morning.

If you have donated or helped in the past I offer my deepest appreciation.

Our Miracle on Main Street starts unfolding on Friday, Dec. 18 with the packing of food and toys. All the food and toys received will be delivered to families on Tuesday, Dec. 22, in time 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 really need your help!

It can be as easy as picking up some extra non-perishable food items (pasta sauce, Kraft dinner, tuna, canned vegetables, etc.) when you’re shopping.

We gladly accept cash, food and toy donations here at Centre 55.

You can also drop off non-perishable food at FreshCo (Gerrard and Victoria Park or Leslie and Lakeshore). We are very grateful to our friends at FreshCo for their assistance in obtaining non-perishable food.

5 easy ways to help neighbours in need:

1. A monetary donation to our Share A Christmas campaign would help us buy turkeys, fruit, vegetables, milk, bread and other perishable foods. (Note: monetary donations are eligible for a tax receipt);
2. When shopping, please consider buying some of the following much needed 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 the cats and dogs in these needy families;
3. Plan a non-perishable food collection at your family or business Christmas parties;
4. Support our Teen Angel program by buying much-needed teen presents or gift cards;
5. Volunteer your time to sort, pack and deliver food and toys to the families. Remember, every little bit helps.

Thank you very much to everyone that helps us with our Share A Christmas Program, you are truly appreciated. Also, a big thank you to everyone involved in making the Beach Santa Claus Parade a huge success again this year. This parade was the kickoff to our Share A Christmas program. The generous donations from the parade help us purchase perishable food items.

Thank you for your generosity.  Give where you live, and hundreds of families will be truly grateful on Christmas day.

A very merry Christmas to you and yours!

---