Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions is seeking support for its "uplifting" holiday program.
The program supports local families in need with Christmas gifts and hampers based on their level of financial need during the holiday season.
Jasmine Botter, the holiday co-ordinator for Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions, says the program would not be possible without volunteers.
“Volunteers are the lifeline of this program,” Botter said. “Volunteers are the ones on the ground floor, packing the orders, and picking up donations and sorting them.”
This year, the program needs 10 to 20 volunteers to help pack, organize and deliver hampers for the 3,000 families, children and youth it serves. Also needed are individuals, businesses and organizations who would like to do some holiday shopping for families in need.
“They can sign up to shop for a family based on their personalized wish list,” Botter said. “They can also sign up to donate a range of items in bulk, or simply make a financial donation.”
Those who support the program will have a feel-good experience, Botter says.
“It helps to bring the community together,” she said. “It helps to raise everyone’s spirit.”
Those who want to get involved, help sponsor a family or make a financial contribution can find more information on the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions website.
When families in need receive support from the program, they are grateful.
“Oftentimes they are just brought to tears,” Botter said. “They are overwhelmed with the amount of support that sponsors and organizations are able to provide.”
Unfortunately, the need for the program has grown substantially.
“With such high rates of inflation, families are struggling to just meet their basic needs,” she said. “Receiving something extra does so much to uplift them and helps with their mental health.”
Last year, the program supported 562 families in Simcoe County and a total of 3,000 individuals.
Bulk donations can be dropped off at any Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions branch, or donations can be dropped off at the toy depot at 90 Saunders Rd. in Barrie, by appointment. Donations must be made before Dec. 19. The Collingwood location, which is open by appointment only, is located at 186 Hurontario St. Unit 105. You can call the local office at 705-444-9160.
More information about the program is available by calling the Simcoe Muskoka Family Connexions holiday hotline at 705-726-6587, ext. 2226, or toll-free at 1-800-461-4236, ext. 2226.
