Nostalgia washed over a teen as he volunteered with his classmates recently at the 鈥檚 headquarters.
As he helped unpack boxes, it stirred memories of when he and his family benefited from the seasonal charitable organization.
鈥淗e said, 鈥楾his is nostalgia,鈥欌�� related Donalda Whaites, who is co-coordinator of the bureau along with Velma MacAllister.
鈥淗e said, 鈥楾his is where my toys came from when I was little.鈥欌��
Now he鈥檚 giving back.
That鈥檚 what the Christmas Bureau is about 鈥� giving back.
It鈥檚 an organization that brings Christmas comes to life for families that otherwise couldn鈥檛 afford to buy their children gifts. It is also the only Christmas bureau from Vancouver to Hope operating on a strictly volunteer basis.
Each year, the bureau and its roughly 125 volunteers help between 750 and 800 families have a Christmas that includes gifts under the tree.
鈥淭here鈥檚 always a need,鈥� Whaites said. 鈥淭here鈥檚 always families that cannot provide for their families at Christmas, and Christmas is for children.
鈥淚t (the need) doesn鈥檛 grow exponentially each year, which is good. We鈥檙e sort of on target from where we were last year.鈥�
MacAllister said there are situations where both parents are working, but are having trouble keeping up with the cost of living.
鈥淭hey鈥檙e just making ends meet to put food on the table, to pay the rent, put gas in the car, where this is that little extra where they don鈥檛 have to worry about Christmas,鈥� she said.
MacAllister said 304 families have registered with the bureau as of Nov. 16. To qualify, you have to be a resident of 91原创 and have children. Two proofs of address are required as well as Care Cards for every member of the family, and children must be 18 years old and under and be attending school.
The bureau runs on an honour system, trusting that the people using the bureau are in need financially.
鈥淲e do not do a means test,鈥� MacAllister said.
鈥淲e stress that the Christmas Bureau is for people who need help in providing for their children at Christmas,鈥� Whaites said.
Donations of new, unused toys and gift cards (no stuffed toys, please) can be dropped off at the Christmas Bureau office, which is the former 91原创 Legion building at 20702 Eastleigh Cres., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. up to Dec. 18, and two Saturdays in December, Dec. 9 and 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days.
They can also be delivered to the Gifts for Kids booth set up at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre, starting Dec. 1.
鈥�(People) can donate there, too,鈥� Whaites said. 鈥淐ash or toys.鈥�
The bureau is able to provide Christmas presents to approximately 1,760 children each year.
Whaites said there is a particular need for gifts suitable for nine- to 15-year-olds.
Even with the bureau鈥檚 building surrounded by construction, donations have been steadily coming through the doors.
鈥淲e haven鈥檛 done too badly so far,鈥� MacAllister said.
鈥淚t鈥檚 early,鈥� Whaites added.
Children鈥檚 Wish Breakfast Comes to 91原创
A key day for the bureau is Nov. 28, when Newlands Golf and Country Club (21025 48 Ave.) hosts the first annual Children鈥檚 Wish Breakfast in support of the bureau.
Anyone who comes to Newlands between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. with a new, unwrapped toy will be treated to a complimentary breakfast prepared by the Newlands culinary staff.
Local singers and musicians will serenade the crowd on two stages, singing festive tunes while Santa and Mrs. Claus spread holiday spirit to all the attendees enjoying their hot breakfast.
Whaites, who doubles as the bureau鈥檚 Toy Depot co-ordinator, thanked Newlands 鈥渇or hosting this amazing event and the City of 91原创 for their continued support.鈥�
鈥淭ogether, the 91原创 Christmas Bureau will be able to assist more 91原创 families and children this year,鈥� Whaites said.
Families who have registered with the bureau are eligible to pick up toys at its Toy Depot. The Toy Depot will be held Dec. 18, 19, and 20 at its headquarters on Eastleigh Crescent.
On Toy Depot days, parents may choose one large gift, one small gift and a few stocking stuffers for each of their children.
Anyone wishing to sponsor a family through the bureau can do so in person at the headquarters or online.
MacAllister said the experience last year and so far this year has been 鈥渁bsolutely fantastic, overwhelming, joyous 鈥� you name it. I was just in awe at what went on here. The appreciation of the families and what we do here for them.鈥�
She applauded the effort of Whaites and all she does for the bureau and those it supports. 鈥淚t鈥檚 so wonderful to see this lady in operation on 鈥榚lf days.鈥欌��
For more on the bureau and to sponsor a family or apply for a client hamper online, visit .
troy.landreville@blackpress.ca
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