Squamish Community Christmas Care has been organizing the local Christmas hamper program for over 40 years and they are now gearing up for the 2023 season.
Last year, Christmas Care delivered over 360 hampers of food and toys to families in need, a significant increase from the 2021 season, and the need is expected to be high this time around as well. Applications are now available for families who need an extra hand from thee community this year. Applications can be picked up in several places, including at most Squamish churches, Under One Roof, Sea to Sky Community Services and the Women’s Center.
The application form can be printed, filled out, and dropped off at the Squamish Churches, Under One Roof, Sea to Sky Community Services or the Women’s Center. The deadline this year for completed applications is Friday, November 17. “This important work is not possible without the help of the whole community. Through the coming weeks, Christmas Care will be working to collect primarily money and new toys to fill the hampers,” said Rev Cameron GutJahr.
Businesses and organizations that would like to register to be a drop-off location for donations, or put on an event to support Community Christmas Care, or otherwise partner and support this work can send an email to squamishchristmas@gmail.com. Individuals who are interested in volunteering can also do the same.
“Christmas Care’s motto is “community caring for community,” and the Christmas Care team feels privileged to be part of that. Thank you, from the team to the whole community, for your compassion, generosity and care for one another,” Gutjahr said. You can also donate at https://communitychristmascare.com/give. Community Christmas Care also needs volunteers to sit on the coordinating committee, to help with packing, sorting, delivering and clean-up, as well as various other roles.
If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to squamishchristmas@gmail.com.
