Holiday Hampers

Make them a tradition at your school

Every year at the end of November, TDSB social workers provide us with information on families in our community in need. Many of these families are new immigrants to Canada without any support network. Others are dealing with insurmountable health issues, unemployment or domestic violence. The parents are struggling to provide even the basic necessities like food and warm clothing for their children, and the hampers make a huge impact on their holiday season.

Social workers sit down with each family member to create a wish list for things such as toys, clothing (with sizes & colours), household items and gift certificates for grocery stores. Participating schools can choose to support one family per classroom, or one per grade, or however many works best for them. They will receive a family profiles, which look something like this, and asked to collect donations from the the wish list (new or like-new items only please). There will be hampers set up in certain areas of the school for donations and gift certificates can be dropped off at the school office for safekeeping.