The Social Media Club is collecting toys, toiletries and tuques Saturday, Dec. 6 outside Walmart at Cowichan Commons from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This fourth annual event is all about helping the less fortunate and people enjoy the chance to help out and get themselves a gourmet hot dog.
"With the economic downturn, we knew that many families, single parents, seniors and individuals were struggling and we wanted to be able to help make the holidays a little brighter for them," said Cori McCaw, explaining the genesis of the event. "There are five food banks within the Cowichan region that serve hundreds of families (Duncan, Mill Bay, Lake Cowichan, Chemainus and Ladysmith).
"Many organizations collect for the food banks and we decided to put a twist on it. So we decided to collect non-food items to help build the Holiday Hampers and make the Christmas dinner events a little more special. We wanted to make sure everyone has something for under the tree or in a stocking. Toys for the kids, a gift certificate or toiletries for the teens and something for the parents too," she said.
There are other places to drop off donations as well, including Lucky Paws Pet Supply in Mill Bay, Cowichan Sound and Cellular's two Duncan locations, Lake Cowichan Eyecare, Vancouver Island Insurance Centres in Cobble Hill and Ladysmith, Chemainus Village Computer Centre and Speedy Glass, Red Balloon Toyshop and Cycle Therapy in Duncan.