Get ready for an army of volunteers to seek your gifts.
The Gift takes place throughout Chatham-Kent (except Dresden) on Saturday around noon. People are being asked to put out items on their front porch for pickup in boxes or bags.
Sherry Carter of ComeTogetherCK said the need is great.
What is being encouraged in terms of donations are non-perishable food items; unwrapped toys; puzzles and games; craft and art supplies; winter coats, scarves, hats and gloves; gift cards; backpacks; clothing; hygiene and self-care products; blankets; sleeping bags; and tents.
Carter said of particular interest are items that could be of help to Chatham-Kent’s homeless.
“Winter hats, gloves, coats and sleeping bags for some of our homeless population,” she said, adding it’s not limited to those items. “Anything anyone thinks would be a gift they’d like for themselves.”
Interest in support from The Gift is strong again this year.
“We have tons of families already inquiring how to register to get assistance,” she said.
However, it takes time to sort through the collected items. Carter anticipates that could take about seven days.
“We are telling people to keep an eye on The Gift Facebook page for dates and phone numbers,” she said. “Typically it takes us about a week to sort everything. It all depends on how many volunteers and how many donations we receive.”
Carter said donations will be sorted at two different locations this year, the addresses of which will be announced at a later date.
Dresden, due to the Christmas Night Market Saturday afternoon and evening, will not see pickup Saturday, but rather on Sunday.
The Gift evolved out of The Miracle, which took place in the spring of 2020.
