Mission Thrift Store’s Christmas Extravaganza Saturday, November 7 9am – 5pm Come and enjoy a…. huge selection of Christmas décor Holiday Linen New and used toys New and gently used gifts Christmas Fashion Enjoy live music Door Prizes See you at Mission Thrift Store! 7 First Avenue, St. Thomas Truck trailers will be brought to the Memorial Arena at the end of this month, a space made available by the City of St. Thomas. With various working parts and moving pieces, Richard expresses gratitude for all of the local businesses participating in the Christmas Care magic, along with local print helping to spread the word. They are planning their opening for Monday, November 2nd at 11:00 am, during which local dignitaries, donors, partners and more will gather. Following set-up, the arena’s auditorium is transformed into their registration area, along with facilitating food collection and distribution. “We collect donations via Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 5pm • Thurs 9am – 7pm Donation hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9am – 4:30pm Thurs 9am – 6:30pm Closed Sundays and Holidays Gearing Up for Christmas Care, 2026 by Peri Hayes Richard Auckland, President of St. Thomas-Elgin Christmas Care, details that a group began meeting earlier this year to extend their fundraising through local businesses and charities. “We recognize that people like to give physical products rather than cash. Because we buy larger quantities of products, however, we sometimes get discounts which the average consumer doesn’t see. Many local businesses give us their services free-of-charge and for that, we are truly grateful!” Those interested in contributing are encouraged to consider donating funds by visiting christmascarestthomas.com. “There are many generous donors out there,” Richard continues. “One example is Steelway Building Systems/Ardent Industries, generously conducting fundraising throughout the calendar year.” Last year, Steelway split their funds three ways: The Caring Cupboard in Aylmer, VON’s school lunch programs, and Christmas Care. “Each charity received over $25,000. We don’t expect every local business to support us in this way, but this certainly is helpful!”
events like Fill the Cruiser (St. Thomas Police Services), but one of our biggest events is the Optimist Santa Claus Parade for which firefighters walk the parade route collecting items.” Simultaneously seeking space for their toy operations, physical donations will be accepted in the auditorium at their Wilson Ave location between November 2nd and December 11th. Registration occurs from November 3rd until December 8th, with Christmas Care operating from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on weekdays -- with exception to Remembrance Day. “We have developed a real family, built to serve those who register and have expressed a need across Central Elgin, Southwold, St. Thomas and Oneida,” Richard reflects. In 2025, this local Christmas Care serviced over 2,300 adults, assisting nearly 1,000 children and 500 teens. “We want to express our thanks to Goldman Sachs for their generous donations in the past. Jean Goddeeris, who passed this past year, was a true champion of our organization. Her son, Cyril Goddeeris — based in New York City with Goldman Sachs — has been pivotal in helping in the past. Many other local groups have contributed financially to our operations, and we can’t forget that this program was originally financed and organized by The Salvation Army.” Phone 519-637-0710 or email info@christmascarestthomas.com with inquiries and interest in clerical, delivery and driving volunteer work this Christmas Care season.
Joe: Prepared for Council. Proven in Business. Dedicated to Community. Ready on Day One. *If you wish to make a donation or connect please contact Joe at joedochertyjr@rogers.com or 519-859-9898
Hometown St. Thomas • October 2026 • Page 23
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