Giving back during the holidays with KCIC’s Holiday Hampers

While the holidays are usually a cheerful time all about giving and spending time with loved ones, it can be a difficult period for many. The holiday season is a time when many families and individuals can use an extra dose of love, support and generosity. The students at R.H. King are displaying this generosity and spreading the holiday spirit by donating Holiday Hampers to the Poverty Reduction Program at Birchmount Bluffs Neighbourhood Centre.

King Community Involvement Council has taken the initiative to collect donations for the dozens of families in Toronto who are in need of basic hygiene and safety products. King is coming together to give back to the community with as many contributions as possible. Generosity is not something that has to be displayed just by a council, or a school; but rather, individuals can give and do what is in their power as well, as even the smallest donation can still make a huge difference.

The TDSB’s winter break begins on December 23. The two week holiday is  for students and staff to rest, recharge, and spend time with friends and family; but it is also a good opportunity to partake in volunteering and giving back to the community. Here are a few organizations open to volunteers or donations, or both in Scarborough:
– Feed Toronto: feeditforward.ca
– Christie Refugee Welcome Centre: christiestreetrc.com
– United Way: unitedwaygt.org

However, not everyone has the time or resources available to donate or volunteer at organizations like these, so here are some alternative ways of getting involved in the community this holiday season:
– Attending community events (karaoke, dinners, etc.)
– Caroling around the neighbourhood
– Baking and sharing with the community

The point of the holidays is to give and love, and although some of those alternatives may not result in the collection of volunteer hours, they will spread warmth and cheer throughout the community. To donate to KCIC’s Holiday Hampers initiative, bring your items to your mentor class. The last day to bring in donations is December 14. For more information, check out King Community Involvement Council’s Instagram: @king.kcic.