Supplies and toys are flooding in for the annual Christmas Angels program. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Spencer Sterritt

Christmas cheer

Christmas Angels helping families struggling to provide basic essentials in tough year

Dec 6, 2020 | 7:57 AM

NANAIMO — Christmas Angels are having a busy holiday season in Nanaimo.

Volunteers with the annual program have collected hundreds of supplies and gifts for families in need during a difficult holiday season.

Rita Innamorati, executive director of Volunteer Nanaimo who runs the Angels program, said they’re seeing families going without basic essentials.

“Because we’ve had 10 months of this nightmare, a lot of (requests) are what kids need. We’ve got lots of requests for shoes, clothes and blankets. Still lots of toys, but greater need around necessities.”

She said in a normal year there’s a more equal balance between needs and wants from the hundreds of registered families.

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“People and their children have had to do without a lot of things they’d normally get throughout the year.”

2020 was a tough year for everyone but Innamorati said nothing could deter their volunteers.

“The majority of our angels are diehards and they’re going to keep coming back. They get such a kick and charge. Unless you’re done it, you don’t know what a great feeling it is to be able to do it.”

Angels collect gifts for families throughout the year but place special emphasis on the holidays.

“We try to help people out throughout the year with different needs and requests we get from agencies. We’re always trying to help people all throughout the year.”

Anyone interested in being a Christmas Angel or donating goods can find information online here.

spencer@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @SpencerSterritt