Lift Community Service’s (Lift’s) Family Place Resource Centre (Family Place) is launching a food and toy donation drive, with the aim of lightening holiday stress for young families in the qathet region this winter.
According to a media release from Lift, Family Place is accepting donations of nonperishable food items and new toys at its location in Town Centre Mall throughout the month of November. Donations can be dropped off from 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Monday to Friday, or by appointment.
“We’re seeing many young families really struggling with the cost of living right now,” stated Grace Chaster, Family Place coordinator. “If you’re worried about rent, trying to make the holidays a fun and special time can feel impossible. We want to support our young families and spread some seasonal cheer.”
Supporting approximately 50 families at any given time, Family Place provides support to parents and caregivers of children up to the age of six. Its programming includes drop-in playgroups and activities for children, a free food pantry and hygiene cupboard, free hot lunches and snacks, parent workshops and connections to local service providers such as public health, dentists and infant development specialists. Family Place is celebrating its 20th anniversary in the community.
“We’re different from other child and youth programs because the focus is on the family and caregiver well-being, not just the kids,” stated Chaster. “When caregivers are okay, then the kids are okay.”
Chaster noted that the food and toy drive will support parents and caregivers through the holiday season.
“Some of our families have no one, and no extra support for the holidays,” stated Chaster. “We want our families to be able to celebrate, and it’s so special when these young families are able to give their child a new toy or enjoy a nice meal together.”
Family Place is having a community-wide birthday party on November 27, from 11 am to 1 pm to celebrate its anniversary, when donations may also be dropped off.
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