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‘A Touch of Christmas’ for those less fortunate

Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre helping clients with hampers

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Leading up to the Christmas season, the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) receives many calls from people within the community who would like to donate to the families the centre serves.

This year, CFEC would like to connect the families in the community with "A Touch of Christmas," a program that will match the needy with the donors.

"Our goal is to remove as many barriers as possible for people both to donate, as well as for families that would benefit from ‘A Touch of Christmas’," says CFEC executive director Lisa DePaoli.

"A cash donation or gift certificates to Save-On-Foods and Safeway, also baby items, like diapers, baby food, etc., would be best, as these items are most needed by families in need."

CFEC is trying to keep the deadline open, she adds, so people can donate up to Christmas day, and if possible, they will continue to give out gifts until the first couple of weeks of January.

"On a side note, and as I have no children, I went to buy a few things to add to our touch of Christmas the other day and was surprised, shocked actually, at the cost of basic supplies for babies: diapers $20 a box; formula for $25; and $5 for wipes.

"It must be so hard for new parents who are out of work and financially strained to just pay for the basics for their new baby."

DePaoli says it is simple for folks to sign up because all CFEC requires is their name and how many children and adults are in their family. She notes that this way they can match the donations with each particular family need.

In addition to cash or gift certificates, DePaoli says CFEC would be pleased to accept the donations of new items, including non-perishable food, baby food, blankets, bottles, bottle liners, clothing, diapers, diaper wipes, formula, toys, winter boots, coats and mittens.

"The generosity of our community is so appreciated and so needed, and will truly give these families a special touch of Christmas knowing that we care for them."

If a family is interested in receiving a Christmas donation they can sign up at the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre, 486 Birch Ave.; Child Care Resources and Referral front desk (in the CFEC building); Youth Zone, 372 Taylor Ave.; and the CFEC Child Care, 429 Cedar Ave.

For more information on the Touch of Christmas program call 250-395-5155.