The association Advocating for Women And Children's executive director, Diane Nakamura, is hoping for a repeat of the Christmas cheer delivered last year.
She's issuing a call for enough donations to assemble at least 60 gift bags to give to the social agency's clients over the holiday season.
AWAC is seeking mitts, toques, scarves, socks and hygiene products, such as shampoos, conditioner, body wash, toothpaste, toothbrushes and deodorant.
AWAC is also asking that the items be newly-purchased rather than second hand due to hygiene issues although newly-made homemade knitted items are fine.
Nakamura said the response to a similar call last year was "overwhelming."
"The phone didn't stop ringing and people were bringing in boxes of stuff," Nakamura said. "There were times when I broke down and cried because I was just so overwhelmed with joy."
She made a point of telling those who received the bags that they were the result of the community's generosity. For many of the recipients, it's the only Christmas gift they will receive, according to Nakamura.
"A lot of them are very isolated from their families, their communities and for a lot of them, our staff here at AWAC are like their family," she said.
AWAC will also host a turkey dinner for the women during the holiday season.
"If we didn't have the generosity of the community, we wouldn't be able to provide them with the Christmas that they deserve," Nakamura said.
Donations can be dropped off at the social agency's shelter at 144 George St. downtown. For more information, call Nakamura at 250-613-9610 or e-mail her at [email protected].
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