Hundreds of gifts are being delivered this holiday season to people in need, including children affected by poverty and the opioid crisis
A local woman who moonlights as a Christmas elf has finished her third year of wrapping hundreds of gifts for people in need through SOYA's Secret Santa program. She's just one of dozens of volunteers with the organization that helps ensure everybody gets a Christmas.
Jill McPhee's downstairs living room is transformed into a makeshift Santa's workshop for a few months every year while she wraps presents for people in treatment and local children affected by the opioid crisis. The retired music teacher has long been involved in community efforts, as was her late husband Terry McPhee, who many would know as the host of countless Easter Seals Telethons, as well as many other charitable efforts.
SOYA founder Connie Raynor-Elliott says her organization is one of the few in the Sault that operates over the holidays and the idea behind the many programs it runs is, 'everyone deserves a Christmas.' The depot, which is usually open three days a week, will be open every day this week. McPhee has been volunteering with SOYA for about 12 years. She got involved after a loved one with substance use disorder became affected by the opioid crisis. That loved one is now in recovery and has been clean for seven months.
"It's community helping community," said Raynor-Elliot of the effort behind getting the gifts out to the people who need them.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Kiwanis Club and Toys ‘R’ Us team up to give hundreds of kids Christmas giftsNorthmount Kiwanis Club of Calgary invited 500 kids to Toys 'R' Us for its annual Toy Project Sunday.
Read more »
Starbucks workers plan strikes that could spread to hundreds of U.S. stores by Christmas EveThe workers are planning the five-day strike to protest a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the coffee giant
Read more »
Starbucks workers begin strikes that could spread to hundreds of U.S. stores by Christmas EveWorkers at Starbucks stores began a five-day strike Friday to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.
Read more »
Terrace Salvation Army Launches Christmas Kettles for Winter SeasonThe Terrace Salvation Army has initiated its Christmas kettles to raise funds for the Christmas Hamper program. Led by Captain Sabrina Silvey, the goal is to raise $50,000 to distribute holiday meals and gifts for families and children in need.
Read more »
Starbucks workers begin strikes that could spread to hundreds of US stores by Christmas EveWorkers at Starbucks stores began a five-day strike Friday to protest lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.
Read more »
Army Vet's Saxophone Serenades Delayed Flight with Christmas CarolsWayne Hoey, a 70-year-old Army veteran and music teacher, played Christmas songs on his saxophone to entertain passengers on a delayed flight in Atlanta. The impromptu performance calmed restless toddlers and brought holiday cheer to the waiting travelers.
Read more »