Each year, a call is put out to the communities of Unity and Wilkie, asking for donations to be contributed to the Wilkie Christmas Hampers or Unity Secret Santa.
It was announced on social media that the Wilkie Christmas Hampers were a no-go this year. With the announcement, many concerned residents were ready to step up to the plate creating a new committee. One member said there are six members on the new committee, plus many others who are happy to help.
“We are thankful to all those who have donated this year and glad that we are happy to help those who may be struggling this year,” said the committee member.
The group has decided to start from fresh this year. Unable to disclose too much information, the committee will be delivering the hampers on Dec. 20 to more than 25 households.
Unity’s Secret Santa has also seen how the community comes together for those who need help. For the past five years, Bricin Financial has been spearheading the organizing of Secret Santa.
Brittany Kramer, one of the organizers with Bricin Financial, says that donations have been coming in steadily since mid-November. Local businesses, AG Foods, Unity Community Resource Centre, the Red Apple and Delta Co-op, have been staple partners in the collection process this year as well.
“We have had a lot of donations, and we are already starting to wrap gifts. This year we have 29 families who will be receiving Secret Santa,” said Kramer.
She also added that this year they had more older children on the list than previous years, so items like pajamas, personal hygiene items, gift cards and theater certificates were some things that were being sought after.
With Bricin Financial at the helm, they were not able to accept any food donations once again.
“We do not have the means of storing food, so we asked anyone who was wanting to donate could do so by purchasing gift cards for the grocery stores or donating directly to the food bank,” said Kramer. “We want to say a special thanks to the community for all the donations, physical and monetary. We could not do what we do without the help of all our donors.”
Donations will still be accepted until Dec. 20, with monetary donations accepted year-round. Kramer said often donors will think of Secret Santa outside of the holiday season. Families who will receive donations will have the option for pick up or delivery again this year.
“We understand that times do get tough, but that is why we have our com[1]munity here to support those who are struggling. We are proud to be part of a community who cares,” added Kramer.
