Angel Tree initiative brings holiday cheer to Morden families
The Angel Tree Initiative, a beloved part of the Morden Christmas Cheer program, is in full swing, offering residents the chance to spread holiday joy by donating toys to local children in need. Spearheaded by the Toy Committee’s Chandra McLean and Lawanda Friesen, the initiative ensures every child receives a gift this holiday season.
How it works
"The Angel Tree is a staple for Morden Christmas Cheer," says Chandra McLean. "We set it up at Dairy Queen, thanks to their ongoing support. Gift tags with different age groups are placed on the tree, and we invite community members to pick a tag, purchase a toy for that child, and return it unwrapped with the tag attached."
New, unwrapped toys can be donated at several locations in Morden, including Dairy Queen, the Morden Active Living Centre, the Morden Fire Station, the Morden Legion, Shear Bliss, and Giant Tiger.
A growing tradition
For Friesen and McLean, this marks their second year organizing the toy collection. “Last year was a big learning curve for us, but now we’ve got the hang of it,” shares Friesen. “We’re excited to include gifts for infants and toddlers this year, which hadn’t been done before. Every hamper now has something special for every age group.”
While the organizers don’t personally deliver the hampers, they’re deeply moved by the knowledge that their efforts make a significant difference. "It’s wonderful knowing kids who might not have received anything otherwise will wake up to gifts on Christmas morning," McLane adds. "It’s not just about the kids; it’s also about alleviating some of the stress for parents during this busy season."
To participate, donors are encouraged to drop off toys by December 10th, allowing volunteers time to organize and pack hampers. The hampers will be prepared on December 16th and 17th, with delivery slated for December 18th.
Other ways to help
Monetary donations and non-perishable food items are also welcome. "The funds help us cover a variety of hamper needs, from toys and books to food and craft supplies," McLean explains.
Lawanda Friesen expresses her gratitude for the community’s unwavering support: “Without you, we couldn’t do what we do. Every contribution helps us bring joy to families who need it most.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit www.mordenchristmascheer.com.
