MANITOULIN—The Kids Shop for Free program, which had been spearheaded by the late Marion Seabrook, is again taking place this year.
“We are hoping to keep Marion’s dream going forward, she felt so strongly about this program,” said Willie Munro, one of the main organizers of the event. “I am so happy we are able to continue the program, it was such a dream of Marion’s and she worked so hard to get it going.”
“We’ve made all the arrangements that are necessary, and everything is ready to go,” said Tom McQuay, also an organizer of the event.
The Kids Shop for Free event, which is open to all kids up to the age of 12 who are in need at Christmastime, and who will be able to pick up presents for all members of their family for Christmas, will take place this Saturday, December 12 at the Mindemoya United Church from 11 am to 1 pm. This is an opportunity for all children up to age 12 to choose gifts for their parents, grandparents and siblings. Children should bring a list of their sibling’s names and ages.
Mr. McQuay pointed out the church will be left open this Thursday from 7:30 am to 6 pm for people to bring items, which will be stored at the church until the event takes place.
As an example of the support the program has received, Mr. McQuay said, “over the past years there has been a lady from Toronto, Maryanne Healy who has shipped up several boxes each year of items to be used for the shopping spread.”
“She (Ms. Healy) has sent 4—5 parcels every year,” said Ms. Munro. “This will be our fourth kids shop free event, and in that time she has sent 15-16 parcels with lovely gifts-items to choose from. Her generosity and the generosity we receive from so many people is incredible.”
“Since not holding a Journey to Bethlehem dinner this year, we will be able to store the items in the church, which is a real big help for us,” said Ms. Munro. “The church agreed to keep it open.”
“We accept any items that are suitable for all members of the family, donations of new or gently used items,” said Ms. Munro. She pointed out, “we put batteries in every item that requires one. There is nothing worse than a kid opening a present and finding out that it needs a battery and that all the stores are already closed.”
If someone has an item they would like to donate, but can’t do it themselves, “we will pick it up,” said Ms. Munro.
All the items selected by children at the will be wrapped. “We already have several volunteers who will be helping with that,” said Ms. Munro. “And while the children shop we will provide the parents with cookies, coffee and tea.”
“There has been over 600 gifts give out every year at this event,” said Ms. Munro. “If anything is going to get someone in the Christmas spirit this event will.”
For more information please contact Willie Munro at 282-8541, Tom McQuay at 377-5783, or Marian Sloss at 282-2816.
