The Children’s Christmas Workshop returns to Vernon.
The program provides children and teens in need a chance to select gifts for parents, grandparents and other important adults in their lives.
“Christmas is a time to give, and we want to be sure everyone has the opportunity to give,” said Sandra Bradley, with Re/Max and one of the organizers.
This year’s event will be held Dec. 10 at the People Place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
High school students will escort children through the store to purchase gifts while mom and dad wait in the kitchen enjoying a cup of coffee and cookies. The gifts are wrapped and tagged before leaving the store.
“They are so proud to be able to buy a special gift that they can put under the tree for mom and dad and we are excited to be a part of the event,” said Holly Malfair, with We Care Home Health Services, which is co-sponsoring the workshop.
Gifts range in price from five cents to a basket of gifts for $1. This year, money raised will go to the children of the People Place.
“We are looking for donations of men’s and women’s gifts. This is a great chance to re-gift,” said Bradley.
“Think of an item that you would have liked to give your mom or dad when you were a child. Items that have gone quickly in the past are things like tools, ornaments, wallets, small sports items, games, jewelry, candles, designer scarves, gloves, kitchen gadgets and giftware.”
The workshop also needs wrapping paper, tissue and ribbons.
If you would like to contribute an item, contact Jennifer Strachan at 250-542-9717 or jenstrachan@shaw.ca.
You can drop off donations at Re/Max, We Care Home Health Services, Ladies World Health & Fitness, the People Place, Sutton Lakeside Realty , the Vernon Community Arts Centre and Curves in Coldstream.
“Volunteers are needed for set up, gift-wrap and to help in the kitchen,” said Malfair.
If you would like to volunteer for Friday set-up or Saturday’s workshop, contact Jennifer Strachan at 250-542-9717 or Sandra Bradley at 250-549-4161.
