Dear Community,

Thank you so much for participating in the TDSB’s Holiday Hampers program and supportIng families in need during this winter season.

This is a multi-generational family consisting of a single mother (Mom “A”) and her three children. The oldest of her children is an adult who is also a single mother (Mom “B”). Mom A’s younger two children include her 17-year-old daughter who struggles with mental health issues, and 7-year-old son with autism. Mom “B” has four children: an 11-year-old boy with autism, a 9-year-old boy, a 6-year-old boy, and a 14-month-old boy.

All 8 family members are currently unhoused and living in a single motel room.

Despite securing full-time employment, Mom “A” is unable to sustain the cost of living for her family. She has applied for assistance with multiple community programs but is often deemed "ineligible" for support due to her employment status. 

This has left the enIre family in a chronic cycle of poverty because, even if they were to secure housing, they would not be able to afford their monthly rent with the additional costs of basic needs. They also share a history of intergenerational and complex trauma but are doing the best to care for everyone.

Any assistance you can provide for this family would be greatly appreciated! Thank you again!

All family members are in need of winter coats, boots, socks, warm clothing and hygiene products (ie: shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant). Games, sensory toys and art supplies for the children would be much appreciates. All sizes and preferences listed below.

Gift Cards - No Frills, Walmart and Dollarama

Thank you again for your support and generosity this fall/winter season!

Dear School Community,

This is a cheerful, loving blended family of 8 living together due to financial constraints, housing availability, and life circumstances. Mom has taken many steps to support her children including leaving an unsafe living situation early on in her daughter’s life. Mom has experienced post-partum health and mental health challenges, and her extended family came together to support her through that difficult time. This close-knit family lives all together to ensure that all the children are loved, supported, and cared for.

A few years ago, Mom met a new partner who became stepfather to her eldest daughter and has shown strength and stability in her life. Living together with his parents has also allowed Dad to go back to school to study a Trade. Mom lost her job shortly before her youngest chid was born, and they have been working hard to provide the necessities but find they often have to rely on food banks.

Mom shared that she is very appreciative and quite overwhelmed at the idea that her family was considered for such a generous gift. Mom never thought they would be chosen for something like this and is hoping that it will bring some happiness to all family members, but mostly the children. When asked about this opportunity, Mom’s first question was how she could return the favour, or “pay it forward” as she was so grateful.

Mother, age 23:

• Personal care items; body washes, bath supplies (loves bath bombs) Relaxation items, calming things

• Clothes – pants, long sweaters Black, or purples, Size Women’s L/XL

Stepfather, age 23 :

• Clothes – track suits, sweatpants, shirts

• Loves: NBA (Raptors), NHL (Maple Leafs), MLB (Blue Jays), Size Men’s 2X/3X Blue, green, black

• Likes cleaning and organizing

Girl Age 4

• Needs Clothes – pants, dresses, shirts, sweaters with zipper Size 4T or XXS girls (tall fit) Green, purple, pink

• Dolls, Cars, Loves stuffies, Likes: My Little Pony, Bluey, Sky from Pat Patrol, Crafts, Books. Likes planets and sea animals, fish etc.

• Needs Winter Boots, size 11/12

Girl, 7 months:

• Baby toys – cause and effect toys, 6M + toys, Activity cube, Interactive toys

• Clothes Neutrals, light pink, light blue, soft colours, Size 9M+

Cousins, age 12 :

• Likes Spider Man, hot wheels.

• Clothes – sweatpants, baggier fits , Darker colours, neutrals; brown, black Size Medium

Cousin, age 10:

• Loves stuffies

• Likes Hello Kitty,

• hygiene products

• Clothes – flared jeans, Light blue, size M kids

• Likes writing and journaling.

Father-in-law, age 42:

• Likes tools,

• Likes Blue Jays

Preferred grocery/clothing stores:

• Wal-Mart, Food Basics, No Frills, Loblaws, SVP Sports, Winners

Other requests/information:

• Family is big coffee drinkers; would love Tim Horton’s gift cards or items.

• Grocery gift cards are appreciated for this large family, as are any itchen supplies and cleaning supplies

THANK YOU for your generosity and kindness in responding to this family, your help and thoughtfulness is very appreciated and will make a tremendous difference in their lives. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

Dear School Community,

This family arrived in Canada three years ago from South America and consists of mom, her 16-year-old daughter (who this writer supports) and 19-year-old son.

They arrived in Canada as refugees and were fleeing an unsafe situation. They arrived with dad as well but due to additionall safety reasons they had to find a separate place to live. Subsequently, this family of three now feels happy to be in a space that is filled with love. This mom works two jobs Monday to Friday to support her children but is happy to have the weekends off to spend time together. The 19-year-old works the evening job with his mom so he can earn money to attend college as he graduated high school last year. My student has done well in learning English, making friends, and adjusting to high school life.

When I see her in the halls with friends, she exudes a warmth with her smile, and she is well liked by others. However, when she meets with me her sad feelings come out adjusting to all the changes she and her family have gone through and there continues to be a worry about safety. She has wonderful supports through her family, school and friends that help her through these feelings and worries when they arise. This student was so humble when I offered support and mom was so graceful and appreciative in her acceptance.

Thank you so much for your generous support and wishing you all a beautiful Holiday season!!

Mother needs:
Winter Coat (size small, any colour)
Hat
Scarf
Gloves
Socks
Pajamas
Slippers (size 6 ladies)

Female aged 16 years needs:
Hoodies
Pajamas
Hat
Gloves

Ladies Medium or 5/6 for hoodies
Small for pajamas
prefers dark colours

Male aged 19:
This young man would appreciate a gift card to stores such as Winners or The Gap to buy clothes for himself

Preferred grocery/clothing stores:
NoFrills, Walmart, Metro, Winners, The Gap

Other requests/information
The family could use a new frying pan, bed sheets (1 queen set and 1 double set), bath towels and kitchen towels

Dear School Community,

Thank you for offering to support a family in need. This large family consists of mother who is a single parent of 9 children, three of these children have learning challenges.

The B Family:

Mother has five daughters aged 14 months, 3, 8, 14 and 18 and four sons aged 6, 10, 12 and 16.

Mom is currently living on Ontario Works, and she struggles with providing basic needs - she primarily relies on food banks and clothing options are very limited due to the financial strain.

Mom’s spouse was injured last year which resulted in him being confined to a wheelchair and is currently unable to work. Mom is now the caregiver for her spouse as well. The family waits for housing that can accommodate his mobility concerns.

Mom shared that the current living condition is contaminated with insects. A housing opportunity came up recently, and the family was set to move. The mother threw out most of their infested belongings, including appliances as they were scheduled to move and get new ones with funding.

Unfortunately, the family did not receive the new unit. As a result, the family did not receive funding for furniture or appliances. The family has now been left with the just their clothes, no pots, plates, microwave, or utensils. They are in dire need of support and your generosity is deeply appreciated.

Specific Requests from the family:

Mother has expressed the need for grocery gift cards and a toaster, microwave, blender, pots, pans, plates, and utensils. She shops at Wal-Mart and No Frills.

For the children:

Any toys, learning material that would be appropriate for children’s age would be greatly appreciated. This could include cards and learning devices/tools. The children could use running shoes and winter clothing and winter shoes. The winter clothing includes including pants, hats, mitts, sweaters, under wear and undershirts, socks, long johns, snow pants and winter boots (size chart for the children attached separately).

The family would really appreciate gift certificates for the movies if possible.

Thank you in advance and have a wonderful holiday season!

Dear School Community,

This small family is overwhelmed with appreciation to be supported by your program this year.

Mom and her now 16-year-old daughter have come to Canada as refugee claimants and are fleeing violence and threats of violence. They have been unstable in terms of housing and currently must rent a room. They have been unable to secure stable housing given the hardships regarding immigration and capacity to work here. They have experienced grief/loss of their loved ones and do not have familial support. They currently do not have access to healthcare and mom is unable to secure any gainful employment and often must work odd jobs at night.

The student, who is struggling with mental health issues, is hard working and studious and hoping to graduate high school this year or next to try to pursue Psychology so that she can help others one day. They were extremely shy to make requests of the things that they would need or like and are very appreciative of any support you can offer. Thank you for your generosity and kindness!

Mother/ female:

- Winter jacket size M, black

- Winter snow boots, size 8, black or brown

- Hygiene products – shampoo/conditioner (Pantene), deodorant (unscented), .toothbrush/toothpaste

16/ female:

- Winter Jacket size small, black

- Winter weather clothing (if possible Winner’s gift card?)

-Winter accessories (hat, scarf, mitts, gloves, socks)

- Student loves jewellery (bracelets, rings, necklaces and would love to go see a movie at the theatre with her mother.

Preferred grocery/clothing stores: The family would really appreciate any gift cards from Walmart, No Frills, Freshco and/or Winners. They would really enjoy movie tickets as well.

Other requests: The family needs a pots and pans – most urgently a medium and/or small frying pan, but they could really benefit from a pot as well, or a pots and pans set.

THANK YOU for your support in responding to this family, your help and thoughtfulness is very appreciated and will make a tremendous difference in their lives.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!

Dear School Community,

Thank you for offering to support with some of the families in our communities. The family consists of a single mother, and 3 children.  

The mom works 40 hours a week for a local grocery store, making minimum wage.  She does not have (any insurance/benefits) from her work, and every day that she misses, her pay is deducted. Mom is a single mother, and the father of the children, has not been providing any type of emotional or financial support to the children.   At the present time, this mom is struggling to pay ($1600) for her shared basement apartment, and to provide food for her children.

Therefore, the thought of Christmas for her children is not a real priority because she doesn’t have the financial means to make the day special, buy gifts or prepare a nice meal for them.

Currently, D the 9-year-old boy, has been struggling with ‘depression’ and this mother has made several trips to the local hospital to assess his overall emotional functioning.  However, with each trip to the hospital, this mother has been unable to attend work, and now she is financially behind.

The family members consist of the following:

Girl, age 7 – she needs any clothing including pants and sweaters (size 7-8).  She loves skirts & dresses.  She also likes (Princess books) and loves (dolls).  Shoe size (13 youth)

Boy, age 9 – he needs a winter coat (size 10) & winter boots (size 5).  Also, any clothing, sweatshirts, track pants & long sleeve shirts (size 10/12). He really loves (Beanie Boos) and would enjoy this.  He might also like Lego and any other boy related toy.   Shoe size (5 youth).

Todder Baby girl, age 18 months – she needs lots of clothing including sweaters, shirts, pants, underwear, and socks (size 24 months or 2T) shoe size -(size 3 or 4 toddler). The family would also appreciate books and any learning toys such as Leap Frog or Little Einstein.  

Mom– needs a winter coat (size Medium). Mom would also appreciate sweaters (M) perfume, body wash, scented creams food basket and or gift cards to (Walmart or No Frills).  

As a whole, the family likes to shop at Wal-Mart, and No Frills and would appreciate gift cards to these stores. This mom would appreciate receiving movie tickets/gift cards or anything else for them to enjoy, since mom does not have any left-over money for these little extras.  

We can’t thank you enough for your generosity. We wish you all a very lovely Holiday Season! 

Dear students, staff, and parents,

Thank you for offering to support with some of the families in our communities. The family consists of a mother and her four children. This household is headed by a single mother who is full of courage and has a positive outlook on life. The family recently lost everything in a fire. She has been going from hotel rooms and relying on the generosity of extended family and friends to survive. Mother this week was able to get into another apartment but now needs to start acquiring what they will need for the apartment. Anything that would support this family to rebuild their lives would be deeply appreciated by mother and the family.

Due to the fire the family lost everything - they all need clothing from basics to winter items including jackets and snow pants. The family also loves to skate together and lost all their skates, so if it is possible to get gift cards to buy skates that would great. 

Girl age 12: The oldest daughter loves to play soccer enjoys skating with her family. She is looking for all clothing - and loves to shop at Winners/Marshals.

Boy age 11: Computer/video games and is looking for all basic needs in terms of clothing and bedroom linen. Mother shops at Wal-Mart for him.

Boy 8 years:Looking for all types of clothing. He loves to play video and computer games. Also loveskating.

Mom will shop at Wal-Mart for his needs.

Girl 3 years:Loves all toys including paw patrol, gift card to Toys R Us would be great. Mother is looking for basics in clothing and everyday needs. 

Mom:is so appreciative to have this support. She is looking for anything and everything for the house as she starts to rebuild the family home. She needs everything from linens to kitchen items, appliances and furniture. Gift cards to allow her to buy these things would be appreciated. 

Mother shared they are close to Sherway Gardens Mall so if it is easier to buy a gift card to the mall then she can buy things as she needs for the family.

We can’t thank you enough for your generosity. We wish you all a very lovely Holiday Season!