Editor, The Times:
My family and I have been living in Clearwater for 15 years and have seen the generosity of the people of our area time and time again.
However, in organizing The Great Giveaway, I have seen anew the caring hearts of many residents of the area. This heart of giving was seen on Sept. 30 and Oct.1, 2011, with The Great Giveaway donation collections. It was unbelievable the amount of clothing and household items we received! We received so many items that we were forced to close receiving donations earlier than the Wednesday.
We opened our doors on Sept. 30 at 9 a.m. (precisely) and within the first hour we had 63 people through the doors shopping. Wow! Our volunteers were so amazed! Due to the fact that we had received so many donations, we put out new used items as well as brand new items for the Saturday morning. Once again, we saw a huge influx of people!
We estimate that, over the two days of The Great Giveaway, we had 500 people out shopping! That was so amazing.
We have heard overwhelming comments at how great this event was for families and individuals. So many people in our community benefit from this giveaway but I do know that there are probably many more people who could benefit from FREE items. Please tell your friends and neighbors that The Great Giveaway is just not for those of low income who cannot afford to purchase items.
Clearwater New Life Assembly gave away these items and did not profit by this event. However, at the Giveaway we received donations for the Clearwater Food Bank Society. We were able to present the food bank with 168 items of food, 20 lb. of fruit and $194.27.
Items that were not picked up by individuals were donated to the Salvation Army Thrift Store and Big Brothers of Kamloops. Many people loaded up their vehicles to take items into town, while Dan Schapansky at Rona Building Supplies donated a truck to take the remaining items into Kamloops.
Thank you to everyone who volunteered donated items or participated in The Great Giveaway. Clearwater truly is a great community to live in!
Joan Daase
Clearwater New Life Assembly
