Share the warmth this Christmas
The St. Catharines Museum is putting out the call for warm winter clothing.
The museum’s annual Mitten Tree campaign, which collects winter wear for those in need, kicks off Saturday morning with a creative writing workshop for the whole family.
The museum has partnered with the Junior Creative Writers, who will lead the workshop on how to create memory pages out of family photos, newspaper clippings or other relevant items. The cost is $10, and people can pre-register by calling the museum or going online.
Following the workshop, the museum will host family-friendly crafts from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. including a knitting workshop. Music and hot chocolate are included.
“It’s a whole day of family events,” said Sara Nixon, public programmer at the St. Catharines Museum. “There will be crafts, hot chocolate, a knitting circle, music as well as the creative writing workshop.”
The museum is also accepting new, unwrapped gifts for children up to 16 years of age. The gifts will be included in the City’s Tree of Little Angels campaign. People can find Little Angel tags on trees at the museum and other city facilities. The gifts and the tags can then be turned into any city-run facility by Friday, Dec. 8.
“Our winters can be harsh,” said Kathleen Powell, the museum curator, in a news release. “There’s always a tremendous need for hats, mittens and other winter wear — and we want to help keep children and families warm so they can enjoy the season.”
Last year, the museum received over 400 donations. This year, Out of the Cold is also asking for socks for men and women as well as winter items from hats and scarves to mittens, jackets and boots.
“Every year we get more and more,” said Nixon. “We are grateful for the generosity of the community.”
The campaign runs until Jan. 4.