Lately, it seems like every day another heartwarming story emerges about how our community is coming together to spread kindness in these troubling times. As a challenging holiday season approaches and County folk look for ways to safely connect with and support one another, it feels like the perfect moment to post a 2020 edition of one of our first ever blog posts. I hope it’s helpful for families in need of a little extra support this holiday season, as well as those seeking opportunities to give back to the community.

The Children’s Foundation’s annual Christmas Angel Tree Program delivers donations of food, clothing, and toys to local families in need. This year, kindly call the Angel Tree office (56 King Street, Picton) at 613-921-5437 before coming to make sure someone will be on site. Only one person per group is permitted to enter. Caregivers can register a child at the Angel Tree office or the Children’s Aid Society office (16 MacSteven Drive, Picton), or by emailing the form on the above website link. Supporters can pick an “Angel” off the Christmas tree at the program’s office and purchase a gift for a specific child. Gifts can be delivered to the Angel Tree office or the Children’s Aid Society office (16 MacSteven Drive, Picton). Those who wish to support the program financially can make a donation here.

This year, the Storehouse Foodbank’s Christmas Angel Tree program is being run in partnership with Wellington Home Hardware. Supporters can head to the store (289 Wellington Main St.) and pick an “Angel” off the tree and return the gift by December 9th, and/or donate to the Foodbank here. 

Raising A Village – Quinte (RAV-Q) will be accepting applications through its website for the 3rd annual Merry & Bright Holiday Gift Campaign from November 23rd – December 6th. Anyone can nominate a child in need under 16 years old; gifts will include new clothes, games, toys, books, and art supplies. For details on how to make financial or in-kind donations, email raisingavillagequinte@gmail.com or call RAV-Q President Vicki Cowan at 613-920-3992. Beginning November 21st, they will also be running a Christmas Sharing program through the RAV-Q Pay It Forward Facebook group. Community members can donate items of clothes, toys, games, books and art supplies in excellent used condition.

The ROC (Recreation Outreach Centre) is putting on a delicious-sounding fundraiser called Empty Bowls. For a $50 donation, you’ll receive a takeout meal of soup, bread, and dessert made by a wonderful local restaurant and a handmade stoneware bowl by the Ye11ow Studio. 

The Christmas Sharing Program runs a toy drive for children 10 and under residing in and north of Ameliasburgh township. Parents can apply here or in person at their office (Suite 206A, Century Village, 199 Front Street, Belleville) on weekdays from 10-4; after-hours appointments can be made by calling 613-969-1020. Learn how to sponsor a family or donate here.

Keep Kids Warm’s “Adopt-A-Child” program provides new winter outerwear for kids in need. The application period for receiving outerwear is closed for this year, but they are still accepting financial donations here.

We’ll miss the sweet treats and Santa sightings, but kudos to the Prince Edward County Festival of Trees for bringing their auction benefiting the Prince Edward County Memorial Hospital online. Check out the Book Tree from County Kids Read (another local organization worthy of support); a real treasure trove for budding bookworms!

An anonymous donor has pledged to match up to $100,000 in donations received by December 31st 2020 in support of the Prince Edward County Public Library Expansion project – visit this link for more information or to contribute.

During the annual Feed the Meter campaign, all of the money collected in parking meters in Picton, Belleville, and Trenton will support Food for Learning’s student nutrition programs in Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. 

Check out the 2020 Holiday Appeal from the Hastings and Prince Edward Learning Foundation to learn about the many forms of support (from food to school supplies and beyond) they provide for local youth; you can support their programs here.