Jenn Sedor of Cornerstone Family and Youth says this year's Carlyle and Area Toy Drive may be the most challenging one yet.
“This is the third year that CFY has partnered with The Bargain! Shop and other area businesses and it seems that the need is growing,” says Sedor. “When economic conditions are challenging, families really feel the effects and when things improve, it often takes a while for them to catch up.”
“Regardless, need is an ongoing thing and we don't want anyone to be left out at Christmas, especially if they've already had a hard year.”
The Bargain! Shop's Shannon Macleod agrees, adding that The Bargain! Shop has upped their fundraising game with a special event planned for Saturday, Dec. 9, with details to come later.
“I think this will be the year with the most need ever and it's a real local effort,” says MacLeod. “It's our third year and we've been able to provide a little bit of Christmas to families from throughout this southeast corner of Saskatchewan.”
Sedor says the Toy Drive aims to provide a stocking stuffer and a gift from Santa to each young recipient.
“We gladly and gratefully accept donations of unwrapped gifts or cash donations that will allow us to give a little Christmas to boys and girls from birth to age 17,” says Sedor. “The age group we usually get the most gifts donated to are for children from three to five years of age.”
“I've been asked for suggestions for gift ideas for pre-teens and teens and it can be as simple as hygiene stuff, such as shampoo, combs and brushes. Mittens and sweaters are good and so are gift cards, if you're unsure about a size or what to buy.”
“Last year, we provided gifts for kids from Carlyle, Arcola, White Bear, Kenosee, Kisbey, Ochapowace, Redvers, Alida, Alameda, Oxbow, Manor, Lampman, Kennedy and Wawota,” says Sedor.
“Our application deadline to receive a guaranteed gift is Friday, Dec. 8,” adds Sedor. “But we'll do our very best if someone's left out.”
“We make it work,” she smiles.
Sedor stresses that the application process is confidential. “We ask that people apply through organizations such as their church, band office, school, local family centre or other participating organization.”
“Then the organization can email me at cornerstoneprograms@sasktel.net or if they prefer, get in touch with Shannon MacLeod at The Bargain! Shop in Carlyle.”
“It's handled entirely through the organization,” explains Sedor. “They deliver the gifts to the families; we don't. It's all private and confidential. And the organization involved just has to commit to delivering the gifts to their recipient between Dec. 20-22.”
“It's a really hard thing for people to ask for help, especially at Christmastime,” says Sedor. “So I really want to stress to people that their privacy will be respected.”
Sedor says that donors have been both generous and creative. “So far, the Southern Plains Co-op grocery store, the Carlyle RBC and The Bargain! Shop in Carlyle are on board to accept donations of new unwrapped gifts or cash donations. In the past, some companies have made a contribution to us in lieu of sending out Christmas cards.”
“We'll be holding our final Wrap Party later in December and people can volunteer to help us out there, too,” she adds.
Southern Plains Co-op manager Derrick Edwards says his staff and customers are “happy to help.”
“We'll be putting up a tree at the front of the store and accepting gift and cash donations for the Toy Drive,” he says. “There are kids in need at Christmas and if we can do our part to make it a little bit brighter for them, then we're happy to do it.”
MacLeod agrees, adding: “It's a real community effort and it's all about the kids. We've had people come in the store who have donated 50 cents every time they come in and it all adds up. Whether people donate 50 cents or fifty dollars, they are giving from their heart and helping their neighbour, which is what Christmas is all about.”
“Because it's such a private process, sometimes you don't know how the Toy Drive impacts people,” says Sedor. “But last year, I got a phone call from a mom who called to thank us. She burst into tears, but it was really heartwarming to make that connection in our community.”
“We're all neighbours, after all.”
