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Kamloops  

Third annual Christmas in the Bag donation drive a huge success

Community comes together

Thanks to the generosity of Kamloops, the city's most vulnerable neighbours will have a small gift to open on Christmas Day.

Our third annual Christmas in the Bag fundraiser, in partnership with The Mustard Seed Kamloops and HUB International, has wrapped up. 

We're happy to report that we received enough donations to stuff 250 nylon backpacks. Each bag will be filled with the necessities, including shampoo, soap and socks, and will be handed out at the Mustard Seed's annual Christmas dinner.

We received the following donations:

  • Granola bars from HUB International
  • Insulated coffee mugs from Manhandler Barber Shop
  • Nylon backpacks from Kamloops Givers
  • Tim Hortons gift cards from Fraser Way RV
  • Socks from Peavy Mart
  • Christmas cards from Motion Church
  • Soaps, shampoos and hair products from Straight 8 Barbers
  • Goodies from Spa Tru

In addition, we had many residents leave bags of goodies at our drop-off locations. Thank you!

Deanna DeCicco, owner of Manhandler Barber Shop and founder of Kamloops Givers, says she and her staff know how important it is for local businesses to give back when they can. 

"I started Kamloops Givers because I believe anyone can give and be a part of something bigger," DeCicco says. "I also have had a personal experience where I was in need and was a recipient of the generosity of others and I've never forgotten that. If we all gave a pair of socks to someone in need, that may be one pair, but if 60 of us do that, our impact is bigger together."

Speaking of socks, Helen Dyck, store manager at Peavy Mart, dropped off 670 pairs. From Nov. 16 to Dec. 31, the retail store reduces its socks down to $1 a pair and customers can buy them for themselves or buy them to donate. 

"This donation comes from donations from all of our customers through Kamloops and surrounding areas as well," she says.

Larry Grant with HUB International says Christmas in the Bag was an easy way for his team to encourage their customers and the community to give to those less fortunate this holiday season.

Matt Schultz, lead pastor at Gateway City Church, agrees.

"It is our pleasure to join hands with the Mustard Seed to provide care and urgent ministry to those within our community that are vulnerable due to many different circumstances. We can't do it on our own, but we can do it together," he says.



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