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AHCS calls for more holiday sponsors

Community encouraged to donate, become sponsors over holidays
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It might be upsetting to see signs of Christmas so early, but Agassiz Harrison Community Services is asking the community to start thinking about ways they can help other families this holiday season. Submitted/Jen Sibley

When grocery store shelves are filled with discounted Halloween candy, Agassiz-Harrison Community Services (AHCS) is asking the community to think a holiday or two ahead.

The Christmas season is tough on many families but AHCS has a variety of ways to help families during the winter months, from full-sponsorship programs to financial, food and clothing donations.

The full-sponsorship program requires the sponsorship of a family or senior, using AHCS guidelines to shop for non-perishable hamper items and small gifts. Registrants must purchase a $50 voucher to cover the cost of perishable items purchased directly by AHCS.

Another option is to make a monetary donation. AHCS uses the money to purchase the food portion of the hampers. Financial donors can make gift donations as well. Sponsorship for an individual, couple or senior is $110 and $240 for a family.

Sibley says AHCS is also happy to receive food, clothing or financial donations of any amount. Gift cards with store receipts are also accepted. This year Sibley is emphasizing the need for warm-weather clothing with a Coat Drive.

While the Red Apple and the Empty Stocking Fund help with toy donations, Sibley says the need is greater than just toys.

“We have a lot of adults and a lot of seniors out here so I thought that just expanding on what we give them and including a coat drive would [help],” she says. “There was a huge need last year.”

The Coat Drive accepts all types of warm-weather wear including coats, boots, socks, sweaters, blankets and rain gear.

The giving season

Sibley says the programs makes a huge difference for families and individuals who need some extra support over the holiday season.

“It could be just that somebody had an unexpected bill and that just takes away the gifts or the food off the table,” she says. “It could be that somebody had to go to the dentist and they had to decide between going to the dentist…and actually giving their kids gifts, or even just eating.”

Last year, 153 hampers were given to 309 individuals, and 99 of those were children. Only 40 of the hampers were put together by financial or adopt-a-family sponsors, and Sibley says the community could benefit from more.

“So many people who are on fixed incomes, whether they’re seniors or whether they’re families, need extra help,” Sibley says.

Anyone interested in applying to be a sponsor can contact AHCS at 604-796-2585 for the “Adopt-a-Family/Senior” form or can download online at aggasiz-harrisoncs.ca.

Hamper drop-off days are Dec. 19 and 20. Food, clothing, gift card and monetary donations can be brought into AHCS, located at 7086w Cheam Ave. in Agassiz.

Clients must register in person at AHCS between Nov. 1 and Dec. 8.