At a ceremony Monday morning at Memorial Arena, Christmas Care launched the 45th edition of its festive food hamper and toy drive.
Registration begins Tuesday (Nov 5) morning and runs weekdays until 4 p.m.
Last year just over 1,500 food and toy hampers were distributed to lower-income individuals and families to help make Christmas Day complete.
The hamper of food includes cereal, cookies, canned goods, apples, potatoes as well as their choice of either turkey or ham, in order to make a complete Christmas dinner.
President Richard Auckland thanked those who began the program back in 1980.
The program depends on an army of dedicated volunteers and support from local community groups like the St. Thomas Police Service, the St. Thomas Fire Department, Lions, Kinsmen and Rotary clubs, and many others.
Emily Gratton from MP Rob Flack’s office praised Christmas Care as “a beacon of compassion.”
Non-perishable food and financial donations can be dropped off at Memorial Arena, while toy donations can be taken to their drop-off location inside the Elgin Centre.
Auckland paid special tribute to volunteer Al Mintz who has been with Christmas Care since its launch. He is pictured cutting the cake in the photo above.
Here is what you need to know about registration:
What You Need to Bring: ID, proof of current address, proof of current income.
Only ONE member per family is required to register in person, please bring identification for all family members to be registered.
Where to Bring It: Memorial Arena at 80 Wilson Ave, St. Thomas.
When: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until Dec. 10.
