Margaret Wong knows it’s been a tough year as rising costs and the lingering effects of COVID-19 continue to be felt.
But that’s all the more reason to help those who are going through family stress as well.
That’s why the local realtor is repeating the Christmas shoebox campaign from last year in which she dropped off more than 100 Christmas shoeboxes filled with gifts, such as toiletries, gift cards, candy and tuques and mittens to Azure Place.
“The women and children in the house have gone through so much and I would love to be able to bring some joy and hope to them,” Wong said in an email to the Optimist.
This yearshe wants to pack another 50 shoeboxes for Azure Place, a transition shelter for women and kids fleeing domestic violence, operated by the Women In Need Gaining Strength.
Wong is asking for donations of scarves, hats or mittens, nut-free chocolate, tea and hot chocolate mix, shampoo, body wash, lotion, sleep masks, toothpaste, makeup along with any gifts cards for fast food, coffee or retail store.
Pens, journals, games and colouring books are also welcomed.
“I know, with the effect of prolonged COVID-19, as well as inflation, which increases the cost of living, this year hasn’t been easy for many, so any donation would be sincerely appreciated,” Wong said.
She has arranged the same drop-off locations as last year, although she’ll also do curbside pickups in South Delta.
The drop-off locations are at: Envision Financial, 5155 Ladner Trunk Rd.; Robertson Optical and Optometry, 5405 Ladner Trunk Rd.; Issler Mortgage Service, Ladner, 778-861-0127; and at 5075 Whitworth Cres. South, in Ladner.
The deadline date for donation drop-offs is Dec. 11. That way, she and her children and some other volunteers have a chance to assemble and pack the shoeboxes with all the goodies and deliver them to Azure Place by Dec. 22.
The Shoebox Program for Women was founded in 2011 in Toronto by four sisters-in-law who wanted to brighten up the holiday season for women living in shelters by filling up shoeboxes with gifts.
