The Thanksgiving turkey and mounds of Halloween candy have yet to hit most homes, but for one local organization, thoughts of Christmas are already on the table.
Just as the season itself comes at the same time every year, so does the Surrey Christmas Bureau's (SCB) plea for warehouse space from which to operate.
A space of between 4,000 and 8,000 square feet is required for two months so the bureau collect and distribute toys, gifts and grocery cards for families in need during the holidays.
Two years ago the Christmas bureau used the then-vacant Go Bananas building in North Surrey, but that space has since been leased. Last year's location in the old Whalley Library (since replaced by City Centre Library) was perfect, but the building was torn down earlier this year.
“It is a major struggle every year to find an available space big enough for our operations,” said K.C. Gilroy, coordinator for the SCB. “The challenge is to set up enough in advance so families who need help know where we are.”
More than 1,800 local families are expected to apply for help from the non-profit organization this year.
“It is a huge undertaking to secure a central location every season,” said newly elected board president Allan Keel. “We desperately need a community-minded champion to come forward.”
Anyone able to help is urged to call 604-581-9623.