It’s been a hard couple of years for families, and Ladner realtor Margaret Wong is hoping to make a difference for the women and children staying in a Delta transition house this Christmas.
Last year, Margaret and a hardworking group of women were able to get 451 “Christmas Shoeboxes” out to various community organizations, but this year, she’s specifically wanting to help out the Women in Need of Gaining Strength (W.I.N.G.S.) transition house, Azure Place.
“These gift boxes do make a difference to the recipients. They bring so much joy, hope and encouragement this holiday season. So, this year, I am involved with the Shoebox Program again, hoping to collect items and new toys from the community to put together 50 boxes for women and children in the shelter,” writes Margaret in an email to the Optimist.
Valued at around $50, these shoeboxes contain personal care products, gift cards, yummy treats and also items specifically for children or babies.
Currently, Wong is looking to collect:
- scarfs, hats or mittens
- nut-free chocolate, candy, gum, or other sweet treats
- tea or hot chocolate mix
- shampoo and conditioner, body wash and lotion, sleep mask
- makeup wipes, lip balm
- toothpaste, toothbrushes, hand sanitizers, reusable masks
- gift cards for coffee or food or a retail store, transit tickets
- journals and pens, games, colouring books
- children’s toys, books, diapers, baby wipes and family game boards
The Shoebox Program for Women was originally founded in 2011 in Toronto by four sisters-in-law who wanted to brighten up the holiday season for women living in shelters by filling up shoeboxes with gifts.
Three drop-off boxes are available at Ladner’s Envision Financial and Robertson Optical & Optometry on Ladner Trunk Rd. and on the porch of residence 5075 Whitworth Crescent South in Ladner.
Margaret can also be contacted to arrange curb-side pick up, and can be reached at 778-288-6330 or [email protected].
