This year, the Country Classics Car Club is making a meaningful change in how they celebrate the holiday season. Traditionally, the club would gather for a festive Christmas dinner with a gift exchange among members. However, for their 2024 Christmas gathering, the club is shifting its focus away from buying gifts for each other. Instead, they’ve decided to give back to the community by purchasing gifts for teenagers registered with Steinbach Community Christmas, an initiative that supports families in need during the holidays.
Sandra Kihn, a member of the Country Classics Car Club, shares details of the change, explaining how the club plans to make a real difference for young people this Christmas.
A Thoughtful Shift in Giving
"We usually have a Christmas gathering and Christmas dinner to end the year, and we've usually bought gifts and then exchanged. But we're gearing up and going in a different direction this year. We are going to be buying gifts for kids for the Community Christmas hampers, and we're really going to gear towards the teens, the 12- to 18-year-olds, boys and girls, because that's a real need."
This change comes after recognizing that the teenage demographic often faces a shortage of suitable gifts during the Community Christmas initiative. While younger children tend to receive plenty of toys and presents, teens can sometimes be overlooked. By focusing their efforts on this age group, the Country Classics Car Club aims to make a tangible impact.
Club Members Are Fully Onboard
When asked about the reaction from other members of the club, Kihn says that the response was overwhelmingly positive. "Well, they all thought it was a great idea. With our gift exchange, it’s like, 'What do you buy?' Everyone's got everything. And if we can do some good and get this to the kids that need it, we're absolutely on board and everyone's going, ‘That's a fantastic idea!’"
Kihn also notes that some club members were so eager to help that they had already started purchasing gifts in anticipation of the December gathering. "There are people that have already bought their gifts, and our dinner is not till December, and they are looking forward to bringing them and sharing that with the young teens."
Suggestions for Gifts That Will Be Most Appreciated
As someone who has volunteered with Community Christmas in the past, Kihn also shares some ideas for gifts that are likely to resonate with teens. "I asked the same question. They're talking about soccer balls, footballs, things for boys, Lego sets, boys love Lego. There's also these new things called squishies—they're soft, big pillows kids apparently love."
In addition to toys and games, Sandra recommends considering gift cards as an ideal option. "What they really put out there is if we can do gift cards for the kids—about a $25.00 gift card from different places around the area that they can actually go and purchase something they would like. It’s easier because it’s really hard to buy for them sometimes, but that way if they get a gift card, they can go purchase what they would like."
A Call to Action for Other Groups
Kihn also emphasizes the importance of everyone, big or small, contributing to the Community Christmas initiative. "Absolutely. And we are on board with this. This is something we've thought of, and we are excited to do it. I think the need is out there for the young people. It is tougher to buy for them, but that's why we're really concentrating on this age group."
She is confident that this shift will have a lasting impact. Kihn mentions that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. "If this little bit that we're doing at our party can help someone else think, ‘Hey, we're going to go that avenue too,’ it just helps out for the Community Christmas. I just know how many families they are feeding (at South East Helping Hands food bank) every two weeks, and I just know that the need for gifts is huge at the end of the Christmas hampers. So, if we can help them, that’s great."
This year, Toys Days will happen at Canadian Tire in Steinbach on December 3 and 4. Carolyn Peters looks forward to seeing people stop by with a new, unwrapped toy and helping fill the toy train. She says people can also purchase a new toy from Canadian Tire’s huge selection of toys and then drop it off at the toy train. Last Christmas, there was a strong push to get enough gift cards to fill the need for something special for local teens.
By focusing on the needs of young people, the Country Classics Car Club is making sure that no one is overlooked this Christmas, and that the spirit of giving shines brightly for young people in their community.