For a fourth year, the Parry Sound North Star and Parry Sound Beacon Star have teamed up with the Salvation Army for the annual Adopt-A-Family campaign.
Every year, there’s no hesitation on the part of our community to call in and pledge to support one of the 25 families in need. In a single day, about half of the families on this year’s list have received pledges of support. The families remain anonymous, for obvious reasons, but the Salvation Army staff and volunteers who work tirelessly every winter to identify those in need, and link them to the community, know just how grateful these recipients are.
They come from all walks of life, from families facing injury, illness or disability, to those suddenly thrust into tragic circumstances because of job loss or plain bad luck.
These 25 families described on our Adopt-A-Family page today represent a year round need that is magnified during a season that focusses on good food and gifts - two things underprivileged families struggle with when they are just hoping to put basic food on the table, pay rent, and keep the hydro going.
We’re blessed too, because the donors are clearly doing this because they care. As we count down the families who have received support, the names of those who have pledged to do so remain anonymous. That has always been the request of donors in this campaign.
We’re lucky to meet them as they bring in bags and boxes of gifts for the families. They range from staff and owners of local businesses, individuals and, this year, a rural school that is encouraging students to put thought into suitable gifts – turning it into a learning tool that teaches compassion, and points out a community works together.
Consider that the same selfless generosity occurs at every local toy collection, Salvation Army Kettle, food drop box... and we all realize the real reason this is a very special time of year.