For over 30 years now the Sackville Community Association has been running its flagship program, Christmas Cheer, to distribute toys and grocery vouchers for families in need.

Erica Butler spoke with SCA president Elizabeth Wells on Tantramar Report:

“The churches in town started it,” says Wells, “and now it’s become just anyone is involved.”

Each year, Christmas Cheer gathers up new toys and cash donations, and then redistributes them in the community. Families can get a toy bag and/or a grocery voucher for one of Sackville’s two local grocery stores.

“We’re always reaching out to those who are a little better off at Christmas time,” says Wells, “to help those who need a little bit of help.”

“Amazingly, for a small town like Sackville, we have about 250 families that we help every year with the campaign,” says Wells. “That’s stayed pretty steady over the years. But that just gives you a sense of the need in our own community.”

Families in needs can call Wells (536-1063) to get considered for the program. There’s also signs up at the food bank. The cut off date for expressions of interest is December 7.

“With COVID, it’s a little bit more difficult to get our volunteers together and to get our work done,” says Wells. “So we’re asking for a cut off of December 7.”

For those willing and able to contribute, cash donations can be made at the Royal Bank, and charitable tax receipts will be issued in January.

There’s no cut-off time for cash donations, but for toys, Wells is hoping to have them in hand by December 9. New toys can be dropped off at the Sackville United Church on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12pm and 430pm. “New toys only,” says Wells. “We can’t have any used toys because of COVID.”

Wells is a bit concerned that reduced church attendance during this pandemic year could mean a drop in toy donations. “It’s nice if people who are outside of those communities can help us out with new toys for children,” says Wells. “We especially need toys for boys or older boys.”