The Christmas Cheer Program of Sault Ste. Marie is once again spreading joy through its Twelve Days of Christmas Cheer campaign, a community effort focused on ensuring every child wakes up to a gift this holiday season.
The campaign runs from November 12 to 24, with donation drop boxes set up at Canadian Tire, Station Mall and both Giant Tiger locations.
Started just last year, the Twelve Days of Christmas Cheer campaign was created as a way to gather donations earlier than usual, after volunteers realized that by the time the main Christmas Cheer drive began, shelves were often bare in certain categories.
“Sometimes we just don’t have enough inventory to support every family,” said volunteer Lee McMenemy, who oversees the collection and packing of gifts. “This campaign gives us a head start so that no one gets left behind.”
This year, the biggest need is for gifts for toddlers and teens, two age groups that tend to get overlooked.
“People are great at picking out toys for elementary-aged kids,” McMenemy explained. “But we’re always short on things for toddlers, things like developmental toys, bath toys or soft books. Teens usually appreciate simple things like grooming products, hair products, makeup or gift cards.”
If you’d like to help, you can drop off new, unwrapped toys or clothing for children at one of the campaign’s convenient donation spots: Canadian Tire at 200 McNabb St., Station Mall at 293 Bay St., or Giant Tiger at either 625 Trunk Road or 275 Second Line W.
Even one gift can make a huge difference to a family that’s struggling this year.
For anyone unsure what to give, McMenemy has a simple tip: “Think about what your own eight-year-old or 15-year-old would like. If your child would be excited to receive it, chances are another child would too. It doesn’t have to be expensive—just thoughtful.”
The broader Christmas Cheer Program has been a cornerstone of kindness in Sault Ste. Marie since 1969, when it was launched under the direction of the Maycourt Club and supported by the United Way’s Community Council for Social Development.
What began as a small, local initiative has turned into a massive volunteer effort that provides grocery gift cards and presents to families who might otherwise go without.
For McMenemy, the campaign is endlessly rewarding.
“We’ve had parents receive their gifts and burst into tears at the sight of a hockey stick for their child. We’ve also had adults come back years later to tell us that they had been recipients of Christmas Cheer in their youth and that without our help they would’ve had no Christmas at all,” she shared.
Last year alone, Christmas Cheer supported approximately 1,800 children and 1,100 families, powered entirely by community donations and an army of about 40 volunteers who work tirelessly during the holiday season.
While many families in the area are struggling with rising costs, McMenemy says that’s exactly why campaigns like this are so essential right now.
“With how uncertain things are in the economy, we expect there will be families applying for help this year who’ve never had to before,” she said. “That’s why donations are more important than ever. Our community has always shown so much generosity and we’re hopeful that continues.”
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