Braving high winds and frigid temperatures, a festive army of volunteers traveled door-to-door throughout Chatham-Kent on Saturday, collecting anything that could help the less fortunate this holiday season.
And they weren’t disappointed, as the community showed its generosity for the third straight year.
The Gift CK officially kicked off at noon, with residents putting out toys, non-perishable food, clothes and other items on their porches.
The headquarters is located inside the former Sears at the Downtown Chatham Centre, and as of Saturday afternoon, the receiving area was filling up considerably, with helpers organizing the donations by category.
“It’s honestly unbelievable,” spokesman Brent Wilken said, while giving Christmas pajamas. “You can’t put it into words.
“We’ve experienced it so many other times, and you know it’s coming, but it still hits you like a ton of bricks. … I felt that the joy in the air was even more fulfilling today.”
The event evolved from the May 16 Miracle in 2020, when the community left out non-perishable goods to support area food banks.
Organizers held The Gift for the first time later that year, but expanded the effort to include more items.
Although the event began in the midst of the pandemic, Wilken said the “need will never go away.” He added that community members can also approach The Gift if they know of someone in need who might not ask for assistance.
“Every organization and every individual is invited to work with us,” he said. “Who do you know on your street, who do you know in your network, that’s struggling this year that might not get help from an organization?
“They typically are the ones struggling worse, because they’re not as used to asking for help.”
Last year, the event brought in an estimated $1.5 million to $2 million in gifts.
Volunteers at headquarters on Saturday were in awe of the sheer number of items dropped off this time around.
“It’s overwhelming. And it really warms my heart,” Sherry Carter, north captain, said.
She added she was also impressed with how many young people of “every age” were helping out.
Mike Rhan said it shows exactly how much residents care, noting the efforts of other charitable groups as well.
“Look at all the organizations that are going,” he said.
Kyle Mantle was enjoying his experience, calling The Gift a worthwhile initiative.
“It’s like a beehive,” he said. “If there’s a gap, someone will come and fill it.”
Volunteers are still needed, with Wilken saying they will be at headquarters throughout the week.
For more information, visit The Gift CK on Facebook, or www.cometogetherck.com/the-gift, or stop by the former Sears between 10 am and 5 pm