The Agassiz-Harrison Lions Club looks to continue a long-standing tradition of holiday season love.
The Lions are looking for donations for their Christmas Stockings to be distributed via the Chilliwack Salvation Army to people in need. According to Diann Andrews of the Lions Club, the local tradition began when longtime member Zenon Sabat – who passed away in July last year at the age of 90 – started the Christmas at the Soup Kitchen and Christmas Bags for the Needy in 2012.
“[Sabat] was a valued volunteer not only in the Lions Club but in many other areas, one of which was the Salvation Army Soup Kitchen in Chilliwack,” Andrews told The Observer. “He belonged to a church in Chilliwack, so he considered both towns his ‘areas.’”
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The first year, the Lions Club assembled 75 bags, and last year that number grew substantially to 197 with a bonus box of oranges as an extra thank you from Super Valu.
Sabat himself carried on helping with the tradition until 2018 when his health made it impossible to continue. The Lions Club now keeps the legacy going.
The following is a list of examples of items the Lions Club seeks this year:
Travel size lotion, shampoo and conditioner
Deodorant
Comb or brush
Hand warmers
Mini flashlights
Hats, scarves, gloves and socks
Chapstick
Bandages and first aid supplies
Feminine products
Cleansing/wet wipes
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottles
Lifesavers, cough drops, gum
Deck of cards
Harmonica
Books and pens
If you wish to contribute, contact Diann Andrews at 604-819-5830.
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