About 350 people have registered to receive hampers since the Mission Community Services Christmas Bureau opened two weeks ago.
This year we are located in the Junction Mall beside The Source and TD Bank. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
We are in need of donation of new gifts, non-perishable food and money. Tax receipts can be issued for monetary donations.
Thank you to all the volunteers and those who have already brought in contributions. There's still lots of time and opportunity to help. Volunteers will be at the Candlelight Parade on Dec. 6 to collect donations, and the Firemen Ride is happening on Dec. 11-12. On Dec. 11, the red trucks will be around the Cherry and Cedar area (east and west sides of Cedar, between Cherry and Tunbridge Avenues). and on Dec. 12 they will be around the area of Cade Barr, Cherry, Stave Lake and 11 Avenue.
We apologize if we miss anyone. Please bring your donations to fire station one on Seventh Avenue during business hours or to our Junction office.
The West Coast Express Santa trains take place Dec. 7 and Dec. 14. Bring a new toy for the Christmas Bureau and get a free train ticket into Vancouver.
And don't forget the Christmas at the Clarke on Dec. 18.
Our staff and volunteers wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
- Phil Hope, MCSS Christmas Bureau coordinator