Squamish Community Christmas Care is back and needs your help

Squamish Community Christmas Care is back for another holiday season and is asking the community for support in these particularly tough economic times.

Each year, volunteers from around town fill up care hampers that are then given to families experiencing economic challenges.

The care hamper contains supplies that will allow the family to have a hearty Christmas meal, clothes and toys to ensure that financial issues don't prevent them from taking part in the holiday spirit.

"We do anticipate receiving more applications for hampers in this economic time, basically, because, as everybody knows, people who have not been in need in the past are in need today, just because the price of groceries and the price of accommodation and all of the rest," said Rev.Karen Millard, who chairs the initiative.

Any families who believe they could use the help can apply to receive a care package by Nov. 18. Applications and information about where to submit them can be found at communitychristmascare.com.

Last year, the organization put out almost 300 hampers, Millard said. In the years before, the average amount of giveaways has been between 300 to 400.

The reverend is expecting this year to be a busier time

"We know that right now we're in an economic time where a lot of people are working poor," said Millard. "This isn't anything to be ashamed of. These are hard times. So, if you need assistance, and you want to be able to give your family something at Christmas and have a Christmas dinner, then we want to help you do that."

Volunteers then assemble hampers in the following weeks. They are then delivered to eligible families on Dec. 15.

This time around, organizers say the most pressing need is for a full-time space, something to the tune of 1,500 square feet. This would be used as a storage and staging area for volunteers to assemble care hampers.

Millard said that they lost the space they used as a depot last year.

In 2021, they had a space between Dominoes and Dairy Queen, which was the perfect size, she said. Organizers hope that someone in the community will be able to provide a similarly-sized staging area for this year.

It would be used full-time until the day after deliveries occur, which is Dec. 16.

If there are no spaces that are 1,500 square feet, she said, the organization is open to having two 750-square-foot spaces.

People can learn more about how to volunteer, donate or apply for a package at communitychristmascare.com.

The Squamish Chief is also a participating business, and the office at 38117 Second Avenue is a drop-off location for donations.

Any questions or inquiries can be directed to Millard at [email protected].