One local group is doing its part to ensure all South Okanagan families have something to celebrate this Christmas.
The South Okanagan Women In Need Society is again sponsoring its Share The Spirit campaign. The program provides hampers of food and gifts for women who have been abused and their families.
Last year, approximately 100 women and their children benefitted from the generosity of the community through the campaign. A woman in need submits a wish list that is matched with an anonymous donor who fills a hamper for the woman and her family.
To ensure each hamper is full, SOWINS suggests $60 worth of groceries for a single woman and $125 for a mother with two children. They welcome new unwrapped gifts, non-perishable food items, personal care products, local retail gift certificates and monetary donations. Gift certificates for teens are especially appreciated.
Individual donations are also encouraged. These items will be combined into hampers or may be used as gifts for the SOWINS kids Christmas party, or as gifts for women and their children staying at the emergency transition house over the holidays. Individual donations and monetary contributions can be dropped off until Dec. 7 at the SOWINS offices at 218-246 Martin St. or WINGS Thrift Store at 456 Main St.
To sponsor a hamper for a family or single woman contact Liz Gomes at 250-493-4366 ext. 102 or by email at sharethespirit@sowins.com. Instructions on how to sponsor a hamper are also available at www.sowins.com. Anyone wanting to volunteer to help with Share The Spirit can contact Bethany at 250-493-4366 ext. 105 or volcoord@sowins.com.
