Christmas Cheer Bins return to support Sara’s Pantry initiative
If you’ve noticed collection bins near the checkouts at local retailers recently, it’s all part of a familiar and cherished holiday tradition. These bins are set up as part of Sara’s Pantry and the Glenboro UCT’s annual Christmas Cheer hamper campaign, a collaborative effort designed to spread kindness and ensure no one in the community is left behind during the season of giving.
The initiative has become a cherished tradition in the community, with collection bins already set up at various local businesses, inviting residents to drop off non-perishable food items, toiletries, and maybe even a toy. These donations will be made into Christmas hampers then distributed to individuals and families facing financial hardship, helping to make the holidays a little brighter for all. “We want each hamper to be unique and appropriate for the families receiving them,” Claeys Godard, Sara’s Pantry Coordinator explained. “Forms are available from me for those needing assistance. They can fill them out or reach out to me so we know how many people are in the household and the ages of everyone, helping us make the hampers truly special.”
For those wishing to contribute, collection bins as well as monetary collection jars will remain in place until the third week of December. Both the Pharmacy and Co-op have premade $15 packages as well. In Glenboro bins are set up at Glenboro Co-op, Home Hardware and Glenboro Pharmacy. Baldur Trading and Cypress Meats have also provided bins for donations as well. Sara’s Pantry also gratefully accepts monetary donations, which allow for the purchase of fresh food items as well as the opportunity to take advantage of sale items to make the dollars stretch further.
Last season their were 35 – 40 hampers distributed throughout Glenboro and nearby towns and Charlene commented that the number is expected to rise this year. “We are so grateful for such wonderful community support every year.”
UCT members, Sara’s Pantry volunteers and community volunteers will be making up the hampers which will either be delivered on December 14th or picked up on December 13th. Charlene also commented that for those who are having hampers delivered and can not be home that day to please make arrangements with her. Charlene can be reached at 204-827-2401 and the deadline for ordering a hamper is December 9th.
This heartwarming collaboration highlights the power of unity and the profound impact of small, thoughtful actions. As the holiday season unfolds, Sara’s Pantry and Glenboro UCT remind everyone that the spirit of giving is not measured by the size of the gift but by the kindness behind it.
Charlene Claeys Godard of Sara’s Pantry accepts a generous donation of food, toys, household supplies etc. from Trent Thornborough on behalf of Glenboro Home Building Centre. PHOTO SUBMITTED
