Volunteers manning the Christmas Tent, located in the parking lot at the Parksville Community Services Centre, 245 West Hirst Ave. (SOS Facebook Page)

By Jordan Davidson

caring communities

Community gift campaign hits high gear to help locals ‘really feel the spirit of Christmas’

Nov 27, 2021 | 9:43 AM

PARKSVILLE — It’s an annual program which highlights the season of giving.

Caring for Community at Christmas, put on by the Society of Organized Services (SOS) is again making sure everyone wakes up with presents Christmas morning.

Executive director Susanna Newton said they collect new, unwrapped toy donations to fill their toy shop where low-income families can shop for free, along with other much-needed holiday assistance.

“The program also provides local grocery store gift cards so that families and individuals don’t have to struggle at Christmas time and can buy what’s meaningful to them to really feel the spirit of Christmas.”

She said they are anticipating higher needs this year and set a fundraising goal of $200,000.

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As of Friday, Nov. 26, they’d raised around 15 per cent of their goal.

“Our phones are ringing, we’re getting on average 40 calls a day from local residents registering for the program and we anticipate over a thousand households will be taking advantage of the program and supporting them.”

Donations can be dropped off at their community services centre at 245 West Hirst Ave. in Parksville.

Their drive-thru Christmas tent donation site is open Monday and Wednesday mornings and Friday afternoons.

SOS is also setting up angel tree displays at a number of local businesses.

During their 2019 campaign, SOS assisted 1,342 adults and seniors, as well as helped 1,404 children and youth receive gifts for Christmas.

If you would like to register for the program or donate, you can visit their website sosd69.com.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNow