Accelerating Support for Christmas Care 2024 by Peri Hayes
Involved with Christmas Care since 2019, Richard Auckland became President in 2022. Founded in 1980 by members of The Salvation Army, Christmas Care collaborates with generous organizations and dedicated volunteers who offer their time and treasures. Richard states, “Our goal is to provide food and toys for those less fortunate during the Christmas season. While founded on Christian principles, we serve people regardless of their religious affiliation.” Richard emphasizes what excites him about this initiative, “The fact that we’ve got lots of volunteers willing to assist, and a consistent location for the past several years -- Memorial Arena Auditorium. We have volunteers to lead the administration, food and toys, which makes for a smooth operation. We’ve had a tremendous outpouring of donations already.” Richard proceeds to announce: “We are looking to gather all supplies by the end of November, so we can ensure that they get into our hampers. Donations afterward will go toward the Food Bank, Harvest Hands and other organizations which help with food security in St. Thomas and area.” The Christmas Care team encourages donations to be locally sourced, especially in regard to toys. Board games, craft supplies and colouring books, dolls, journals, Lego sets, novels for grades four to six, outdoor activities, puzzles, science kits, sketchbooks and waterproof mittens or gloves are being collected this year. Moreover, with their goal to provide engaging and interactive opportunities for the children and families which they serve, technological toys are not preferred: “We suggest
no technology of any kind, as we are not aware of the devices that families have.” Christmas Care is gathering toys designated for newborns to age eleven, while ages twelve to sixteen will receive gift cards -- whether this be for Canadian Tire, the Dollar Store, Walmart, or a variety of local establishments. Beginning in November, the Christmas Care packaging and registration process will commence at the St. Thomas-Elgin Memorial Arena on Wilson Ave. Meanwhile, toys, food and monetary gifts are presently being graciously accepted in person, as well as online or by mail. Christmas Care is getting a jump on things this year with a storefront at Elgin Centre near the west entrance (by JYSK). Starting on October 1st (yes, Christmas is coming), they will start by accepting donations of food and toys there. Their full operations, including registration, will begin in early November at their Memorial Arena Auditorium—Wilson Ave. location. Kindly consider your capacity to support a local family this upcoming holiday season. Monitored throughout November and December, inquiries by phone are welcome at 519-637-0710. In the meantime, their info@christmascarestthomas.com email address is the suitable method of contact.
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Page 12 Hometown St. Thomas • October 2024
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