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Surrey Christmas Bureau needs help spreading cheer

Holiday charity is lacking gifts for older kids and teens.
41008surreyK.C.Gilroy2-BJ-Dec4
KC Gilroy is coordinator of the Surrey Christmas Bureau.

The Surrey Christmas Bureau (SCB) needs some help from individuals and businesses in order to provide a magical Christmas for 5,000 children this year.

The SCB is a non-profit organization which gives low-income families holiday gifts, clothing and food. This year, the SCB has already helped 3,400 children and nearly 2,000 adults, but organizers want to do more.

“I am always so overwhelmed with the generosity and support from the people of Surrey and the Lower Mainland this time of year,” SCB coordinator K.C. Gilroy said. “We hope that generosity grows as poverty grows.”

The SCB is in need of gifts for youth ages seven and older.

“People are so generous, but are usually drawn to purchase gifts for babies or toddlers since they are usually cute items,” Gilroy said. “But we really need things for the older age group.”

Some great gift ideas include sporting equipment – soccer balls, hockey sticks – items that promote being active, Gilroy said.

“Someone donated a pink soccer ball and I thought to myself, ‘what a great gift’.”

Other ideas include arts and crafts, bracelet-making kits, or any type of interactive toy, such as a board game.

Gilroy said some ideas people don’t usually think of are hats, hoodies or gift cards. She also said gently used items are greatly appreciated.

“Our goal is to provide children in low-income households with  a Christmas experience that is just as exciting and memorable as other children.”

You can drop off gifts at the Surrey Christmas Bureau at 14885 108 Ave. until Christmas Eve, or at any Surrey fire hall. Donate online at http://christmasbureau.com/donate/