For the fourth year, Chatham-Kent residents have come through in a big way for those in need this holiday season.
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The Gift CK, a municipal-wide food and toy drive, took place Saturday, with donations placed on the front steps of homes and businesses throughout the community for collection.
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Drop-off depots were filling up later that afternoon, including the main one in Chatham, located at 295 Given Rd.
“With everything going on in the world right now, this year has an even bigger need than there has been,” Dakota Hodgson, event co-ordinator, said while she was assisting at the site.
“Chatham-Kent, as always, shows up to help each other out. It’s been a phenomenal year. An overwhelming amount of donations. Pickup teams are doing multiple rounds.”
The event evolved from the May 16 Miracle in 2020, when the community left out non-perishable goods at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Organizers held The Gift for the first time later that year, expanding the effort to include more items, such as new toys, hygiene products and clothing.
“I think The Gift is becoming a tradition,” Hodgson said. “It feels like people know what to do on Gift day. …Many of our volunteers have returned from the first year we did it.”
Mojo Drywall donated the use of the Given Road space, with other businesses and organizations helping in the outlying areas.
Hodgson said there are various ways that items are dispersed. Organizations and individuals are encouraged to reach out, including those who may simply know someone who could benefit.
“You don’t have to prove your need,” she said. “You can just come and get what you need without judgment.
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“Every single community among Chatham-Kent has their different ways of distributing. Some go right to church programs. Some go right to hamper programs … Any organization that has a need they haven’t been able to meet, we’re happy to provide donations.”
Whatever the donation campaign is, Hodgson said the community has shown its generosity year after year.
“It doesn’t have to come to us,” she said. “If you have something to give, and you have an organization you give with, we’re thrilled. Our eye on the prize is that we just want people in need to get what they need for the holidays.”
People who still wish to donate, or those who are in need, are asked to contact The Gift on social media, visit TheGiftCK.ca or email [email protected]
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