Sponsors required to make Christmas special for needy
The Kiwanis Club of Oliver has one special goal this Christmas – to make sure that every child has a gift under the tree on December 25.
That is the idea behind the annual “Share the Spirit” campaign, first started by Karen Amos more than 10 years ago. She ran it out of her real estate office until it became too big. She then asked the Kiwanis Club to take it over.
“Every parent wants to make Christmas special for their child,” said campaign coordinator Beverly Adamack. “For low income families, these extras (gifts and special foods) are extremely difficult to work into a tight budget.”
Last year’s campaign helped make Christmas a brighter one for 53 families, Adamack said, noting there were 32 donor families and businesses that took part.
Businesses, organizations or families that want to sponsor a needy family can contact Adamack at 250-485-0154, Katie Amos at 250-498-4844, or June Reynolds at 250-498-3455.
Some groups like to make one family their focus, while others donate cash or hamper items to be distributed to numerous families.
“Sometimes we have grandparents who donate toys that they originally bought for grandchildren that have now outgrown them,” Adamack said. “All assistance is greatly appreciated and carefully used.”
People who wish to be sponsored in the campaign must fill out a form available at the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs office in Oliver or at Desert Sun Counselling and Resource Centre.
Adamack said every applicant needs to be vetted by a community leader who knows that family’s composition and financial situation.
“Without Share the Spirit, many families would have a very difficult time to provide in this special time.”
She noted there are some very memorable deliveries during the campaign.
Her favourite one last year was a delivery to a single mother with six children.
“Although she worked full time, she didn’t earn enough to provide more than the basics. When we started carrying their packages into the house, she started to cry. She couldn’t believe people were so generous and that her children would have gifts for Christmas.”
Lyonel Doherty
Oliver Chronicle
