Folks may wish to climb aboard the Christmas Train for an easy way to put a smile on a child's face this holiday season.
From now until Dec. 9, the annual RE/MAX Country Lakes Realty Christmas Train will collect new, unwrapped toys and non-perishable goods for local charities to distribute to families that need them.
To further enhance donations, the realtors in the office are once again kicking in $5 for each toy collected towards making brighter holidays for local families.
RE/MAX managing broker Karen Friess says many people benefit from the "wonderful generosity" of the South Cariboo communities.
"Times are tougher than ever, but even a small donation of a toy puts a smile on a child's face, and leads to even greater goodness."
Last year, 479 toys, $2,395 in realtor donations and $1,160 in community donations (which are also accepted) were distributed to families that could use a hand up for the holidays.
Following the tracks of the Christmas Train, Friess explains it begins at the RE/MAX Country Lakes 100 Mile House and Interlakes realty "stations" with each donated toy, canned or dry goods and $5 realtor donation.
Then just before Christmas, the train chugs on over to make cash- and toy-dropping stops at the Food Bank and Loaves and Fishes Outreach.
It then proceeds over to the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre and onward to the 100 Mile House & District Women's Centre, where Friess notes it leaves yet more much-needed provisions, typically gift certificates for folks to redeem at local stores.
The journey winds up at Meals on Wheels, where the non-perishable foods are unloaded for meals prepared for the elderly, convalescents and disabled.
All this routes are covered by small community donations that all hitch up to provide many children and families a happier Christmas.
Friess adds all the realtors make contributions all year long in order to have the funds readily available for the Christmas Train donations.
Since 2005, a total of 2,545 toys and $19,642 have been raised through Christmas Train and local RE/MAX realtor donations, she notes.
"Help us help those who need our support this Christmas."