One thing COVID-19 couldn鈥檛 hamper this holiday season is the gift of literacy to 91原创 kids.
Thanks to charitable donors, the 91原创 Literacy Association was able to raise about $12,000 to purchase new books for 2,000 local children of families served by the 91原创 Christmas Bureau this holiday season.
鈥淭his year because of COVID and some of the financial struggles families are facing, we saw an increase [in the number of people relying on support from the bureau],鈥� said Alicia Rempel, literacy outreach coordinator with the association.
She estimated about 1,700 local children were gifted books last year.
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But the increase in the number of books purchased is not the only change the volunteer-run bureau and local literacy group saw change.
Provincial health restrictions meant the bureau couldn鈥檛 organize toy depot days, where families visit the charity to shop for gifts and pick-up books for their kids.
鈥淲e were all very sad that we couldn鈥檛 meet face-to-face with the families,鈥� Rempel said, noting it is something the group looks forward to each December.
But she was more-so glad they were able to safely organize and still provide support to families in need.
鈥淭he good news is we can still continue to give the gifts,鈥� Rempel said.
As of Tuesday, the bureau had reached just over 60 per cent of its goal to raise $280,000.
Families registered with the 91原创 bureau receive a $50 gift card for each child towards the purchase of a toy, a $100 grocery gift card, plus an additional $50 grocery gift card for each child.
They also a receive a reading book voucher that can be redeemed at the 91原创 branches of the Fraser Valley Regional Library.
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鈥淲e have the librarians choose the books,鈥� Rempel noted, explaining the association utilizes their expertise to select books popular with kids.
This year 鈥済raphic novels are all the rage,鈥� she said. 鈥淲e鈥檙e still delivering books to fill the need.鈥�
The bureau wraps up its 2020 season Saturday, Dec.12, but the work doesn鈥檛 end there.
鈥淲e start again,鈥� said Rempel about planning for the following year.
The bureau is operating out of its temporary location at the Timms Community Centre (20399 Douglas Cres.) from 10 a.m to 3:30 p.m. until Saturday.
Cash or gift card donations can be made online or in-person.
For more information visit or call
joti.grewal@blackpress.ca
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