The Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs (OBGC) hope that local businesses, schools, service groups and individuals will make the holidays a joyous one for needy families by donating various food items through its Adopt a Family program. (Photo supplied)
The campaign to “Adopt a Family” in Osoyoos this Christmas has begun.
The Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs (OBGC) hope that local businesses, schools, service groups and individuals will make the holidays a joyous one for needy families by donating various food items.
“Although many families quietly try to manage to make ends meet throughout the course of the year, they often struggle to meet the needs of their family over Christmas,” said OBGC centre director Laurene Sloboda.
She reported that more than 77 South Okanagan families in their care were in need last year. In 2013, they gave out six “Be an Angel” hampers in Osoyoos, five of them being to single parent families and one to a youth living on her own.
In Oliver, they gave hampers to 16 families, half of which were single parent families with two or more children.
The Adopt-a-Family program matches families and young people with those who would like to help a family in need of support.
“Our families/youth are current members of the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs and are identified as having a challenging time putting food on the table,” Sloboda said. “Not everyone will feel the joy the Christmas season has unless they are given a bit of a hand up.”
Once a group is matched up with a family, the group can purchase food items for three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on Christmas day.
Sponsors contact the family to find out what their preferences are and if there are any dietary issues.
Meal suggestions include eggs, fresh fruit, cereal, jams, cheese, soup, pasta, lunch meat, crackers, turkey or ham, fresh vegetables, potatoes, rice, buns and dessert.
Other practical items may be included in the hamper such as diapers, baby wipes, paper towels, detergents, soaps, toothpaste and pet food. In collecting food items, sponsors can be as fancy or as basic as they want to be. For example, some sponsors use plastic reusable storage bins so the family can use them in future.
Sponsors arrange a delivery date/time with the family. Delivery should be no later than December 18. For more information on the program, contact Sloboda at 250-498-8844 or email [email protected].
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
