Toy and food drop-off event. Photo courtesy of Chatham Goodfellows / via Facebook).Toy and food drop-off event. Photo courtesy of Chatham Goodfellows / via Facebook).
Chatham

'The Gift' returns to CK alongside the Goodfellows' and Salvation Army's donation drives

Organizers behind a large holiday donation campaign in Chatham-Kent are working toward better accountability as they gear up for their second annual donation drive next week.

The event known as The Gift will be held November 20, 2021. On that day, every household in Chatham-Kent is invited to put a food, clothing, or toy donation out on their porch at noon and volunteers will collect them and distribute them to needy families until Christmas.

The Gift's Blenheim area and southwest Chatham area drive captain Brent Wilken told CK News Today that the event is once again relying on trust without any set rules, controls, or goals. The Gift is not a registered charity and doesn't have paid staff or a budget.

Wilken said The Gift "captains" help to organize the collection and then distribute what is gathered where they feel is necessary based on their discretion and their perceived need in their area -- no questions asked or proof of income required from recipients. He also said disclosure and tracking of donations is something the group wants to do better moving forward.

"All the areas are doing their own thing. The Gift belongs to everybody. It is purely community-driven," said Wilken. "Chatham-Kent has the opportunity, with all of our efforts at The Gift and others, for more people than ever to have a holiday."

Wilken said even though The Gift is not directly working with the Goodfellows or the Salvation Army this year, both of those registered charities are welcome to share in their pool of donations.

He said the donations collected by The Gift will benefit other charities, too, such as Rock Missions, Chatham-Kent Victims Services, Chatham-Kent Children's Services, and other people who are struggling but are hesitant to get help from charities.

Wilken noted more volunteers are needed and said there is still plenty of work to do until the end of the year, but the group is ahead of last year in terms of planning because the public knows what to expect this year.

Wilken said it's difficult to predict how much will be raised this year because people are busier than last year with the economy reopened again, but added that whatever happens will be perfect. Last year, The Gift collected $3 million worth of donations and had 5,000 volunteers.

The Gift's operations this year are located at the Downtown Chatham Centre beside the Goodfellows' location.

When asked if they considered The Gift was stepping on their toes with its parallel donation drive, the Chatham Goodfellows -- who are entering their 67th annual campaign locally -- noted that they did support The Gift last year by providing facilities, advertising, and many volunteers for what was at the time considered a "one-time event."

The Goodfellows also noted that last year they were not able to fundraise or assemble the 2,000+ volunteers that typically help them out every year because of the pandemic. This year, though, they are returning to their traditional fundraising campaign.

"Each year the Chatham Goodfellows depend on the generous donations, of not only food and toys but also money, to allow us to buy the perishable food items used to fill the Christmas hampers.  Without the cash donations, we would be unable to purchase turkeys, milk, potatoes, carrots, fruit as well as bulk non-perishable items. Last year was a difficult year as we were unable to fundraise for the cash needed to buy the perishable items," said Chatham Goodfellows President Tim Haskell.

The Chatham Goodfellows said they provide more than 1,700 families with food that could last them about a week and provide them with the items they need for a Christmas dinner. They also provide toys for around 1,100 children, including a pair of shoes and a pair of boots for each child. The Chatham Goodfellows also noted that they spend approximately $200,000 a year donated by the community to ensure that "No Child Goes Without a Christmas."

On November 29, people are being asked to leave their porchlight on and donate to Chatham Goodfellows. Volunteers will be collecting cash (or e-transfer), toys and food donations. To donate via e-transfer email: donate@chathamgoodfellows.ca.

Those in need can register for Christmas hampers by calling the Goodfellows' office at 519-354-1146, Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

When CK News Today asked the Salvation Army of Chatham-Kent about its stance on The Gift coming back for another year and whether they expect it to affect their donation drive, officials responded by saying "we can all make a difference and just hope people will continue to also support us like they always have."

Captain Stephen Holland said last year, they received close to $600,000 in donations from people in Chatham-Kent.

"I know it has been a hard year for many, but we are hoping to achieve this goal again," said Holland. "But we can only reach that goal if people help us. One way to help is by standing at a Christmas kettle and/or making a financial donation."

The Salvation Army Christmas Kettles will be out on November 19 and will stay out until Christmas Eve day. Kettle stands this year will have a TIP Tap donation option for those who don't carry cash. These machines will allow people to donate directly from their credit or bank card in the amount of $5, $10, and $20.

New toys can also be dropped off at any Salvation Army location in Wallaceburg, Chatham, and Ridgetown. Holland said all financial donations, toys, and food will remain in the same community where they are received.

A grocery price comparison done by the Salvation Army has shown that the cost of food has increased by almost 35 per cent over the past two years.

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