Back to SearchThis year, like any other, the holidays will once again be a time of giving at City facilities.
The City is looking to the public to once again assist in its annual Tree of Little Angels campaign by stepping up and donating a gift for a deserving child. Now in its 23rd year the campaign sees trees set up at City facilities where visitors can drop off a new, unwrapped gift in support of Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold. While Community Care is moving to distribute gift cards, instead of actual gifts this Christmas in response to COVID-19, the gifts will still be utilized by the organization over the course of 2021 in helping deserving children mark special occasions.
New this year the City is introducing the opportunity to make cash donations, via text message, directly to the Community Cares Christmas program. Those interested need only text “GIVE” to 20222. They will receive a text back providing the option to donate $10 or $25.
From Nov. 12 to Dec. 11 trees will once again be set up at many City facilities, although there will be some changes this year as the City continues efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19. Specifically, trees will not be set up at Older Adult Centres which remain closed, and the traditional tags that visitors could take from the tree outlining a gift idea for a deserving child will not be offered in a physical format.
Tags will however still be available online should a donor wish to have an idea provided. Gift card donations are being accepted, and, with or without tags, the City will accept gifts for children up to 16 years old.
Last year hundreds of gifts were donated. In 2019, Community Care’s Christmas program served nearly 13,000 individuals, with upwards of 3,000 being children.
“Every year the community steps up to help us bring holiday joy to hundreds of families, it’s a tradition we have come to cherish, and, with the need greater than ever, one we are excited to continue,” said Community and Events Supervisor Brianne Wilson, adding, “it’s a community effort that truly reflects the giving spirit of the season.”
This year trees and toy bins will be set up at City Hall; Port Weller Community Centre; Russell Avenue Community Centre; Seymour Hannah Sports and Entertainment Centre; the St. Catharines Kiwanis Aquatic Centre; and the St. Catharines Museum and Welland Canals Centre.
For City facilities where appointment or registration is required to enter the building, gifts can be left with facility monitors / greeters stationed at public entrances.
For more information visit www.stcatharines.ca/LittleAngels.
For more information on Community Care St. Catharines and Thorold, including other ways to donate, visit www.communitycarestca.ca.
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