Caring community’s support of Centre 55’s Share A Christmas helps local families in need

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

With Centre 55’s annual Share A Christmas program now underway, members of the community are invited to help spread joy locally by supporting families and those in need this holiday season with access to unwrapped toys, teen gifts, grocery gift cards, and warm meals.

“For over 40 years, the Share A Christmas program has been a cornerstone of community support in the east end. Each year, we provide hundreds of families, individuals, and seniors with food/grocery gift cards, toys, and holiday gifts. Many of those we assist are facing financial hardship, living alone, or struggling to make ends meet during what can be an especially difficult time of year,” said Jade Maitland, Program Director at Centre 55.

From now until Tuesday, Dec. 17, members of the community can contribute to the program by donating unwrapped toys and grocery gift cards, or by volunteering their time to assist with distribution by helping to pack, sort or deliver donated items.

Monetary donations are also important to Share A Christmas, and can me made at www.centre55.com

With a long tradition in the community, the program also receives much appreciated support from local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups.

Community members can also get involved by “adopting” a family or senior as a sponsor, which helps provide individuals with personalized gifts to help make this year’s holiday feel unique to everyone in the program. To apply for family and senior sponsorship, please head to Centre 55’s website.

Share A Christmas helps residents living north of Lake Ontario, south of Danforth Avenue, east of Coxwell Avenue, and west of Victoria Park Avenue.

However, those in need living outside of the program parameters are still eligible to apply for toys for children younger than 12 years old through Centre 55’s Emergency Toy Program.

Community Centre 55’s Share A Christmas program, however, goes beyond the physical act of providing meals and gifts for those in need over the holiday season.

“It’s about connection, compassion, and community spirit,” said Maitland.

“Every donation, every volunteer, and every act of kindness helps create a stronger, more caring community.”