We all leave childhood behind but most of us never really give up on the idea of having a special Christmas.
Maureen Quested, treasurer of the Christmas Bureau of Greater Victoria, says that's why the work of the organization is so important.
"The kids are the ones that really tug at your heartstrings, but even with adults, you never lose that desire for that special feeling you had as a child," said Quested, an 18-year-veteran of Christmas Bureau volunteering.
"You still want that at Christmas and we try to give that to everybody."
On behalf of its member agencies, the organization takes orders for hampers containing certificates, basic food items, extras and up to two gifts for family members ranging from infants to teenagers.
Some people find it difficult to ask for help, especially the working poor, Quested said.
"But Christmas is a very stressful time and there's a lot of financial demands on families, so sometimes that's the only time throughout the year they'll actually need to ask for help.
"We are happy to provide it if they need it."
Applicants need not worry about financial information being verified -- volunteers take their word that they are in need.
Once it collects names of people needing help, the Christmas Bureau sends them to the agencies and sponsors that will provide food hampers and gifts. Those agencies, include: the Salvation Army, the Mustard Seed Food Bank, Single Parent Resource Centre, The Open Door/Our Place, Saanich Kiwanis, Sidney Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul, sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund, Westshore Christmas Hampers and C-FAX Santas Anonymous.
The type of Christmas help provided depends on the member agency through which it is given. the sa国际传媒, for example, provides certificates. C-FAX Santa's Anonymous and the food banks buy groceries to hand out.
Each hamper is worth about $140, regardless of which agency it comes from.
"We're trying to even everything out across the city so it's relatively fair for everybody, no matter who you get from, be it a corporate client or Santa's Anonymous or the Mustard Seed," Quested said.
Anyone from singles to seniors to different kinds of families can qualify. Those in need of a little help to make their holiday celebration brighter need only visit one of those agencies or businesses and fill out an application on site.
All applications are forwarded to the Christmas Bureau, where they're sorted and sent to the appropriate participating organizations, businesses and individuals to be filled.
The sa国际传媒, for example, fills about 1,500 hampers each year through donations collected from readers. In total, Christmas Bureau member agencies fill hampers for about 6,000 households.
The sooner applications are received, the better.
"We'd really like all the forms in by the end of November. But the farther we get into December, the harder it is to guarantee we can help you," Quested said.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
The 51st annual TC Christmas Fund is underway.
Here's how you can help the less fortunate:
- Mail a cheque to the sa国际传媒 Christmas Fund, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, V8T 4M2.
- Use your credit card by phoning 995-4438.
- See our website, timescolonist.com/christmasfund.
