A local charity which provides gifts for seniors over the holidays is looking for donations.
This year will be year seven for Santa for Seniors, founded by Angela Morel.
Morel and her family have been spearheading the charitable event where they package donations into gifts and deliver them to seniors across Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.
They are looking for donations of new, smaller-sized items that are festive and tasty to include in the gift packages.
Last year, said Morel, they received enough donations to put together 586 packages for seniors.
“Y’all are amazing,” she said to those who donated.
Morel has put together a list of items they are looking to have donated including:
• small tinned or packaged cookies;
• small individually wrapped or boxed chocolates or treats;
• individual hot chocolate packages, teas and hot ciders;
• festive, cozy, single pair socks;
• stretchy, soft knit single pair gloves;
• tiny Christmas ornaments and festive decorations;
• $5 Tim Hortons gift cards/grocery cards;
• small pocket-sized crossword, word search or activity books;
• festive pens;
• playing cards, game cards;
• tiny lotions;
• tiny Kleenex packages;
• and $1 Scratch n’ Win tickets.
Morel noted that due to gift package sizing, they have to limit the size and variety of items.
Her family can pick up items for donation at a prearranged time that is convenient and pick-ups will run through to Saturday, Dec. 13.
Or, people can post on her Facebook page if they have items for pick up or private message her, if preferred.
There is also a secured drop-off location for donated items, at Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Community Services and The Seniors Network, at 22768 119 Ave., just behind the 227 Street Save-On-Foods, which will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday.
“Please notify reception at Community Services that you have donations for Santa for Seniors,” said Morel.
Monetary donations are very much needed too, added Morel.
“This helps tremendously to balance out supplies and ensure variety and quantity of needed items,” she explained.
Cash donations can be e-Transferred to: Aangela76@hotmail.com.
“Every dollar donated is tracked, recorded, and balanced, and put to thoughtful use in order to acquire as many festive, fun, and tasty items of comfort and joy we possibly can, and for the best value,” Morel added.