South Cariboo residents Lori Fleming, and her mother Ev, are underway with their third annual Christmas Shoebox Program to provide gifts and supplies to community members who may be less fortunate.
The Fleming's have partnered with the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre (CFEC) to collect and distribute the boxes, along with one of CFEC's donation programs.
"As a result of their dedicated work, we are able to distribute the Christmas Shoeboxes through the Touch of Christmas campaign," says CFEC program manager Chris Pettman.
He asks folks to specify which program your donation is for when you drop off items at CFEC.
Lori says it is easy to participate in the Christmas Shoebox program. Just pick an approximate age group and decide if it will be for a boy or a girl; or choose to fill a women's, men's or family box.
Then, place appropriate articles in a shoebox, other small box, or gift bag, and Lori and Ev have made up some decorative shoeboxes to place the donations into, as needed.
Whatever you choose, be sure to mark on the tag he intended age group, gender, or "family of four or five", etc.
Then fill boxes with new items such as small toys, small games, pencils, pens, note pads, playing cards, dice, jacks, socks, gloves, brushes, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss, toiletries, books, hats, small clothing articles, hard wrapped candy, and so on.
Lori notes giftcards are great, especially for teens and adults, and might include local food outlets as food is not collected in the shoebox program.
"We request that you not add any food items or soft candy for safety reasons."
She says the shoebox donations can be dropped off at CFEC from now until early December, when all the shoeboxes will be distributed.
You can also call 250-397-2010 to have one picked up, or if you have any questions.
Lori notes to raise funds and awareness for the Christmas Shoebox campaign, she has also set up a website at www.gofundme.com/ap9cm8 to accept cash donations to convert into shoebox items.
The Fleming's will also hold a yard sale to raise program funds at 8 a.m. on Sep 13 at 5072 Kinncum Road in 108 Mile Ranch.
"You are the difference between families having no gifts to open and everyone in the community having a gift at Christmas."
Chris explains non-perishable food donations are accepted for the Touch of Christmas program, which also accepts toys, gifts, personal hygiene items, sundries and so on.
Cash donations are great and enable CFEC staff to purchase fresh food items such as turkey and potatoes during the week before Christmas, he adds.
Call Debbra at 250-395-5155 (CFEC) for more information.