The Victoria Cool Aid Society is asking the public for help to bring Christmas to those in need.
For the 12th year Cool Aid is participating in the Homeless Partners Christmas Wish List program so that shelter patrons can receive personalized Christmas gifts.
Members of the public can visit homelesspartners.com/shelters-list/victoria and select one of three shelters: the Sandy Merrimen House, Rock Bay Landing and Next Steps Transitional Shelter.
Residents of each shelter have written about themselves and what they would like for Christmas, with the option for the public to purchase the gift for them.
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Some people, like Steve, would like practical things like a McDonald’s gift card or jeans, while others wish they could have some things that bring them joy, like Cheri who would like a sewing machine. Others would like help in establishing their careers, like Kristy who went to school for audio engineering and could use a microphone or a gift card to Long and McQuade, or Amber, who’d like a level 1 reiki course.
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Common requests include gift cards to shops and restaurants, clothing, and cell phones to keep in contact with family members.
“The beauty of this program is that it provides an opportunity to learn about some individuals and give the right gift for them,” said Joann Connolly, Cool Aid’s manager of shelters. “It brings great joy and practical help into the lives of our residents at an emotionally difficult time of year for many.”
Public members commit to buying and retrieving the gifts. The gifts need to be dropped off at the shelter location by 10 a.m. on Dec. 23.
