People wanting to help struggling Salt Spring families this Christmas season have several ways to express their support and kindness.
In addition to events that collect donations for Island Community Services’ Harvest Food Bank and Christmas Hamper programs or the Copper Kettle Community Partnership, the annual Santa’s Workshop, SSI Mama Hive Christmas Hamper Campaign and Community Toy Swap are important pieces in the effort.
A devoted team of Santa’s Workshop volunteers has traditionally worked to ensure every child on Salt Spring has a reason to smile on Christmas morning.
“This year, Santa’s Workshop has had to make significant changes in how it operates,” the group said in a public notice. “Due to shifting circumstances, the program can no longer accept the same volume of gifts-in-kind. Instead, the volunteers are focusing on providing families with the means to choose gifts that best bring joy to their children. Monetary donations will go directly toward supporting more than 55 families and roughly 100 local children who will benefit from the program this Christmas.
“Community kindness has always been at the heart of Santa’s Workshop. As the need grows and the model shifts, your donation — no matter the amount — will make an immediate, meaningful difference for island families.”
E-transfers can be sent to santasworkshopssi@gmail.com or cheques made payable to Santa’s Workshop and sent to #8-115 Upper Ganges Rd., SSI, V8K 2Y3.
Motorcycle Toy Run donations of $8,000 also supported the workshop this year.
The Mama’s Hive initiative is underway for the sixth year. The group is a grassroots peer support space for mothers and childbearing caregivers who are actively parenting on Salt Spring Island.
“Last year, Mama Hive created and served over 30 families, and we look forward to serving the community generously again this year,” the group said.
Cash donations in the form of e-transfers sent to ssimamahive@gmail.com are most welcomed, which will buy grocery gift cards for more than 30 hampers. For info on other ways to help, send a message to the same email address.
As well, Transition Salt Spring’s Community Toy Swap takes place at Meaden Hall on Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with donation intake day on Friday, Dec. 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. Families do not have to make a donation in order to pick up toys for their children.