Deltassist’s Christmas programs are gearing up, and staff and volunteers are gratefully accepting donations of toys and food for their annual toy depot and Christmas food hampers.
For decades, Deltassist has supported hundreds of Delta residents each year at Christmas, distributing hundreds of food hampers and thousands of toys to low-income families, seniors and individuals, and the organization continues to rely on the overwhelming support of the community to meet the increasing need.
This year’s toy depot will be held at East Delta Hall (10379 Ladner Trunk Rd.) Dec. 12-14, while Christmas food hampers will be delivered by local service clubs on Dec. 23.
Eligible families and individuals must apply in person at either Deltassist’s North Delta office (9097 Scott Rd., open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or Ladner office (#200 5000 Bridge St., open Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).
To complete registration, Deltassist requires proof of residence in Delta, proof of income and CareCards for children registered for the toy depot.
Eligibility criteria have increased this year — for details, visit deltassist.com/community/deltassist-christmas-programs-information-and-registration.
The deadline to register for the toy depot is Dec. 8, while sign-up for Christmas food hampers cloases Dec. 15.
Meanwhile, Deltassist is looking for donations of toys and food to support this year’s Christmas programs.
Toys are needed for children from birth to 16 years of age, and as always the need is greatest for gifts suitable for infants and teens.
Most-needed non-perishable food items include breakfast cereals, canned ham and chicken, canned hearty meals (e.g. stew), peanut butter, rice, pasta and sauce, hot chocolate and cookies.
New, unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items can be dropped off at either Deltassist’s North Delta or Ladner office.
Deltassist is also looking for volunteers to help deliver its Christmas programs, and is in “desperate” need of Arabic speakers to act as translators.
Those looking to donate or to host their own toy/food drive in support of Deltassist, or for more information about the organization’s Christmas programs, can contact community services co-ordinator Randi-lee Lensen by calling 604-594-3455 or e-mailing christmas@deltassist.com.
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