While the holidays are usually a special time of year for loved ones to get together with their family, that isn’t the case for everyone.
The St. Joseph’s Care Group has been helping out their clients who are alone during Christmas with their annual Be Their Secret Santa campaign, which is celebrating its ninth year of operation.
“Maybe they don’t have visitors or family, maybe their family lives far away, or their family might not have the means to buy them a gift,” St. Joseph’s Foundation of Thunder Bay philanthropy specialist Amy Stasiewicz said.
“Last year we gave out 487 gifts and we’re hoping this year to give out 500 gifts.”
Among the items that are on this year’s wish list are pyjama sets, nightgowns, blankets, hats and mittens, and large print activity books.
“The way it works is that we have staff who work with clients within the care group and they submit the things that they need,” Stasiewicz said.
“We are asking for new items for everything that is on the wish list, but we also accept home-made items as we have had people knit things for us in the past.”
This is the first year that Stasiewicz has been involved with the program and it’s been a real eye-opener to see how many people use it.
“It’s kind of sad when you hear from the staff about the clients that don’t have any visitors,” Stasiewicz said.
“There’s a lot happening at this time of the year, but it’s important that we don’t forget about our older population.
"I believe Christmas magic doesn’t have an age limit. Some of these individuals are sick or might be at a low point in their lives so it’s a wonderful program to spread some joy."
The drop-off locations for Secret Santa items are at the St. Joseph’s Foundation Office at 63 Carrie Street, the Gift Box at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Hogarth Riverview Manor, along with all three TD Bank branches in Thunder Bay during their respective hours of operations.
St. Joseph’s also accepts monetary donations, which can be done online and or in person.
Donations are being accepted until Thursday, Dec. 7, which is when the gift bags will be put together to be handed out to clients ahead of Christmas Day.
For more information on the Be Their Secret Santa program, contact Amy Stasiewicz at 807-768-4404.
