New unwrapped toys and cash donations are in high demand as the SOS Christmas Program ramps up. (Society of Organized Services)

By Ian Holmes

substantial need

SOS Christmas Program sees surge in Oceanside area demand

Dec 3, 2024 | 1:05 PM

PARKSVILLE — A local social agency hopes the public can respond to a rise in demand this holiday season.

Lissa Alexander, Society of Organized Services (SOS) communications manager, said their annual Christmas Program is well ahead of last year’s pace with well over 500 households already registered.

The annual fundraiser involves new toys handed out, as well as gift and grocery cards issued to families and children.

“Low-income parents and grandparents can shop for free in our toy shop. And we also provide grocery store gift cards to families and individuals so that they can choose what’s meaningful to them over the holidays,” Alexander told NanaimoNewsNOW.

Cash donations are an essential feature of the program, which helps the agency purchase gift cards to fill specific needs.

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SOS aims to raise $285,000 this holiday season.

Last year 1,144 local adults and 1,107 children benefitted from the SOS Christmas Program.

“We know we’re going to surpass the need that we saw last year and also donations are down unfortunately and that could be due to the postal strike and the fact we’re not getting any mailed donations because we do tend to get a lot of those.”

Donations to the SOS Christmas Program can be made online, over the phone or in person at the agency’s Community Services Centre in Parksville at 245 West Hirst Ave.

Registration is ongoing at the SOS Community Services Centre Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. or 1:15 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

There is also an in-person evening registration opportunity on Wednesday, Dec. 11 between 4:30 pm and 6:30 p.m.

The organization benefits from the annual Tigh Na Mara Toy Drive happening at the resort on Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 6:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Alexander said Tigh Na Mara Resort has been a key partner in generating donations.

“It’s so wonderful to get all of these gifts, but the event itself is just so heartwarming, it’s so nice to see everybody coming together,” Alexander said.

The annual Tigh Na Mara Toy drive seeks new, unwrapped toys, including items fitting the 11-19-year-old demographic. (Society of Organized Services)

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Ian.holmes@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes