Looking to make a more personal impact with your giving this holiday season?
The Secret Santa Project is looking for sponsors to provide Christmas to families in need in Prince George.
Right now there are 85 recipients and only 45 sponsors.
These hampers will be people-centric, geared for exactly who is in the family.
And the bigger families are those who are not getting sponsored because of the bigger cost it takes so Secret Santa volunteer, Marianne Koops, is asking small businesses, big businesses, groups, organizations and even a bunch of friends to take on that challenge to make sure every family gets what they need at what could be a not-so-filled-with-joy time of year.
Right now there are 10 big families with six or more people that don’t have a sponsor.
The difference for this project compared to others in town is that the donators are matched with a family who have provided a list of their specific needs. Want toilet paper and shampoo? That’s doable. Need towels and detergent? That’s also a request that can be filled. Already have too many socks? Ok then, no more socks.
Families can be very specific with their wish lists and that takes the guesswork out of it.
“A lot of people are asking for electric blankets this year,” Koops said. “Last year winter was very long and people were very cold. A lot of lower income families are staying in crappy places with crappy windows and crappy doors that let the cold in and they can’t afford to turn up the heat.”
So an electric blanket, warm slippers and robes are on their list.
“People are often shocked at what recipients are asking for but they have to be practical - even if it is Christmas,” Koops said.
Unfortunately, Lori Trupp, founder of the local Secret Santa Project, passed away in 2020 and so a core group of volunteers have kept her legacy alive by providing this service in her absence. The group includes Patrick Telford, Lisa Whitwick, Leslie Campbell and Koops.
“So basically we’re asking people to purchase Christmas dinner for the family and some extra food and household essentials, to help get them through the holidays,” Koops said. “And then a small gift or two for each person in the home. We ask the applicants for a wish list and that is provided to the sponsor.”
That takes the mystery out of what to get each person.
“Once we match them they communicate between themselves, unless one or the other party wants to remain anonymous,” Koops said.
Sponsors get the phone number and first name of the contact for the family and then Secret Santa Project volunteers can step back. They are willing to do more if required – like delivering the donations - but most people just do their own thing once they are matched, making the call and really getting a feel for what the family needs, wants and prefers.
The first step is to reach out for an application. After the application is submitted, they do their best to match donators with a hamper recipient quickly.
For more information email [email protected] or visit https://www.facebook.com/SecretSantaProjectPG
If you'd like to contribute in another way there are donation drop boxes at 4 Paws Pure, Jack & Jill Embroidery and Promotional products, Ahoy Anchors Fresh Fish & Seafood and Koops Bike Shop.
