‘Tis the season for giving, and the community in the Similkameen has taken that to heart.
The front office, hallways, corners and coffee room at Lower Similkameen Community Services Society have been packed full of pantry fare, dry goods and gifts for those in need of a lift through this holiday season.
A donation from the Catholic Women’s League in Keremeos allowed LSCSS to purchase and deploy foodstuffs, gifts and toys to the community.
Fifteen Lower Similkameen women and their families who had contacted the South Okanagan Women in Need Society at Penticton were delivered hampers through LSCSS.
The Christmas giving through Lower Similkameen Community Services is part of a wider effort locally. The Faith Community, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Elks Lodge and local Salvation Army Food Bank are some of the formal helpers.
READ MORE: Ladies of the Keremeos Royal Purple donate to help Keremeos Elks
Similkameen Family Literacy received a generous donation from Literacy Now to add children’s books and games to the hampers, including a book by local author, Della Barrett.
Numerous others, those in business and as ordinary individuals have stepped up everywhere to volunteer in assorted ways in order to brighten winter for the less fortunate.
Two knitting groups, one at the Seniors Centre and the Naughty Knitters at the Keremeos Grist Mill provided an array of winter warmers.
The Royal Purple in Keremeos annually contributes handbags containing an assortment of necessaries for distribution to women or to anyone who identifies as a woman in need.
This year saw seven family-to-family contributions made through LSCSS. As well, cash gifts lent a hand to 30 households during this difficult year with so many affected deeply by the COVID 19 pandemic.
Lower Similkameen Community Services Society, founded in 1976, has remained open and busy from March forward with programs adjusted to ensure the health and safety of staff, community partners and clients during the first and second waves of the pandemic. For those who are looking to volunteer, you can contact LSCSS at 250-499-2352.
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