As the holidays draw near, many of us find our thoughts turning to the joy and festivities of the season: decorating the tree, listening to Christmas carols, gathering with friends and family, exchanging gifts and indulging in the wonderful sweet and savoury delights of Christmas.
Yet the reality is that a growing number of low-income people in our community struggle just to get by: A single mom having escaped an abusive relationship is raising her young children on her own; a grandmother has taken on the role of primary caregiver for her grandchildren; a single dad is caring for his pre-school child and coping as best he can as he recovers from an illness.
With the constant challenge of providing the basic necessities, Christmas for low-income members of our community can be a time of added stress and sadness.
The Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau is here to provide support to low-income North Shore families with children 18 years old or younger, seniors 65 or older, and persons with disabilities.
Through the generosity of members of our community and the support of a team of dedicated volunteers, we help to ensure that children and their families have gifts at Christmas and a hearty meal to enjoy.
We all want Christmas to be a special time for those we love, especially for the children in our lives.
Many who are struggling in our community have never before asked for support. We have a tendency to think we should be able to do it all ourselves. Yet we all come across difficult times in our lives, times when we need to reach out to others for help, for the sake of those we love and for ourselves.There is much love, support and generosity in our community as we witness each year at the Christmas Bureau. It would be wonderful to think that low-income families, seniors and persons with disabilities are coming forward and being cared for, especially at this time of year. We often find that people who have received hampers return to the Christmas Bureau years later when their life circumstances have changed. Remembering the joy they felt at sharing in the festivities and traditions of the season, they sponsor a family, donate toys, make a financial contribution or give of their time to bring joy to others at Christmas.
Low-income families with children 18 years old or younger who are living at home, seniors 65 or older, and persons with disabilities should visit the Christmas Bureau to complete an application form.
Be sure to bring proof of address, income, age and disability (if appropriate), as well as care cards for all children under 18. Applications received and approved by Friday, Dec. 6 will be eligible for a full hamper including a gift and grocery gift card.
You can help bring a smile to a child's face by sponsoring a family, donating on-line, mailing a cheque, or bringing a new, unwrapped gift to the Christmas Bureau. Our greatest need is for gifts for 10-to 12-year-olds and teens. Visit www.familyservices.bc.ca for more information.
The Christmas Bureau is located at 113 - 255 West First St. in North Vancouver and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information call 604-984-9627.
Janet Quenneville is the Christmas Bureau and Community Supportive Care manager at Family Services of the North Shore.
