Annual Christmas Giveaway falls short of goal
30 families left to assist
A group of women who’ve spent the last eight Christmases gathering and distributing items to those less fortunate are nearing this year’s goal.
“I’m a veteran with PTSD and that’s one of the things I do is make sure not a child is disappointed at Christmas. — Jo-Anna Parker
Close to 110 families have received assistance so far, says JoAnna Parker, a member of the ninth annual Christmas Giveaway for Yarmouth and area.
“We’re short right now for about 30,” she says.
Other members of the group – Susan Grant, Pebbles Ogden, Jill Smith and Mary Lloy – help
co-ordinate the effort, collecting and distributing items.
Parker started in 2009, purchasing toys year-round and giving them away to those who were on her list.
“I’m a veteran with PTSD and that’s one of the things I do is make sure not a child is disappointed at Christmas. I could see myself going broke because I’ll just give and give and give until there’s nothing left. Some of the
stories from the families are just heartbreaking,” she says.
Organizers provide each family with a donated gift certificate of between $50 and $100.
“That should cover their turkey, their potatoes and vegetables, their Christmas dinner, chocolates, candy and fruit for the kids. As well, if they’ve asked for clothing, we try to cover the clothing and the toys.”
Donations are dropped off at the members’ homes and sorted. Gift certificates and gift cards are especially welcome from donors.
Parker says they are also looking for Subway, pizza or movie gift cards to put in teen stockings.
“Sometimes the teens don’t always get gifts and this is one way of making sure they have a hot lunch,” she says.
One of the items organizers also hope to receive is a one-piece snowsuit for Tony Penny, a local man who she says lives in hardship.
“It doesn’t even have to be brand new, he’d be happy,” she says.
A simple way to give is through airmiles, she adds.
“What people don’t realize is if you collect air miles and you’re ahead of the game, 90 air miles buys you a $10 gift certificate. That’s free to give,” she says.