Time to open up your wallet for Christmas Cheer
A volunteer elf packs Christmas goodies for one of the 1,800 families needing help this year in this undated file image.
With only two weeks to go, Christmas Cheer has only reached one-quarter of its goal.
Barrie & District Christmas Cheer is appealing to the community for urgent assistance as it strives to support 1,800 families in need this holiday season.
With $118,800 already contributed by individuals, businesses, and organizations, the campaign is making progress, but a significant portion of the $450,000 goal remains unmet.
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Christmas cheer delivers holiday hampers filled with Christmas dinner essentials and gifts to families in Barrie, Innisfil, Oro-Medonte, Springwater, and Essa.
These hampers provide joy and relief during what can be a challenging season for many.
"The need for support has never been greater," said Sandra Yaquo, president of Barrie & District Christmas Cheer.
"Applications (for support) continue to pour in online, and we've already seen a record number of approvals – with two days still remaining for families to apply," she said.
As the organization celebrates 50 years of giving, the a volunteer-led board of directors and more than 1,200 volunteers step into Santa's workshop each year.
Christmas Cheer packs toy bags, and food hampers for over 5,000 individuals in the community.
In addition to money, the organization asks for new, unwrapped toys for boys and girls aged five to 10. This age group can be challenging to shop for, but organizers recommend the following items to make a meaningful impact:
- Lego
- Action Figures/Dolls
- Construction/Cooking Playsets
- Cars/Barbie Accessories
- Craft Kits
- Board Games
Other Ways to Donate:
- Make a contribution at ChristmasCheerBarrie.com.
- By Mobile: Text Cheer to 30333 to transfer money by phone.
- Share the Message: Spread the word on social media and within your networks to amplify Christmas Cheer's mission.
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