Every year, the dedicated group of volunteers at Christmas Cheer put together packages for families in need. They serve applicants from Batchewana to Bruce Mines, and last year, the gift boxes provided for over 4,000 recipients.
The program’s main funding is through the Sault Star Santa Fund, in addition to money and items from local companies, organizations, schools and individuals, some of whom host special events to generate extra donations.
“It’s truly a community effort to provide for these people,” says Christmas Cheer co-convener Diane Marshall.
Applications to receive Christmas Cheer gift boxes opened on November 1st and will remain open until December 6th. This year the program’s main depot is operating for approximately five weeks, during which time the packages will be assembled and distributed to fifty sub-depots in the Soo and surrounding area. Recipients will pick up their gifts at the sub-depots on December 18th.
Christmas Cheer was started in 1969, through May Court Club in Sault Ste Marie. May Court was responsible for getting the program off the ground, collaborating with local agencies and churches to collect donations. Eventually May Court withdrew from the cause, and Christmas Cheer went on to become its own organization.
The main depot is staffed by about 50 dedicated “senior elves,” who work diligently to provide the children with what’s on their wish list. Items in the gift boxes have included toys, sports equipment, hand-knitted scarves, mittens and toques, puzzles, games, books, stuffed animals, toiletries, and grocery gift cards. The majority of the $100,000+ budget is devoted to the purchase of the grocery cards, which allow the families to purchase the food they truly enjoy.
On occasion, Christmas Cheer has had to put out donation pleas when they’re running low on specific items, like LEGO sets or basketballs. Diane says that in these scenarios, the community has always rallied and responded quickly with generous donations.
“That’s why our program has continued to thrive. It’s due to the generosity of our caring community,” says Diane.
“I believe they feel confident that we will be good guardians of what they give us, whether it be money, toys or knitting,” she adds.
Diane and all the volunteers at Christmas Cheer sincerely appreciate the opportunity that Arthur Funeral Home has generously provided to be featured in this article.
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