For the past eight years, Women Helping Women South Delta has helped to make Christmas a bit brighter for women in our communities.
The annual collection of personal beauty products for women in shelters and local women in need has begun and organizer Pindi Mann is hopeful once again the campaign will be a success.
"We are so very grateful for the community support over the years," said Mann. "We have grown from making 52 bags in 2010 to well over 500 bags last year."
The idea started when the group of women started giving back on the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver.
"Following those first couple of years we then thought that there was a lot of need in the communities in which we all live in," she said, adding that women are supported from Delta, Surrey, Langley, Abbotsford and
Mission. "Christmas is for the kids and we certainly strongly believe in that, but so many parents struggle to try and keep it all together. It's nice that they can get a little pick me up too." Mann stresses they don't want their cause to overshadow others that rely on community support as well.
"There are blanket drives, clothing drives, toy drives, supporting the food bank - these are all things that need to be supported," she said. "But a small donation of something like shampoo, personal items or even a disposable razor are things that many of us take for granted, but that little item means so much to the women we help."
Donations are being accepted in Ladner until Dec. 6 at Changes Hair Studio, Lawlor Goldsmith Shoppe, Muddy River Landing, 30 Minute Hit and Deas Island Dance as well as at Locks 'N Lashes in Tsawwassen.
Packing and sorting of the items will take place on Dec. 7 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the Ladner Community Centre. In previous years, packing space was donated at the Fishermen's Hall, but the campaign has outgrown the space.
More volunteers are also needed for packing day.
For more information, check out Women Helping Women South Delta on Facebook or email Mann at [email protected].
