The Carnegie Centre and the Evelyne Saller Centre are looking for Santas. These two City-operated facilities that serve Vancouver's Downtown Eastside are asking for Christmas gift donations to brighten the holidays for people in need. The two centres are hosting Christmas parties for children and adults and want to ensure that everybody who won't have the resources for Christmas gifts gets a little something to mark the holiday season. If you would like to help, please bring a new gift and place it under the tree at the Vancouver City Hall rotunda.
Unwrapped gifts are also welcome and can be dropped off at a box by the tree.
Gifts will be picked up by December 22. More than 200 gifts for children and 500 for adults are needed. Gifts for men in particular are needed since the ratio of men to women who attend the Downtown Eastside events is usually 3 to 1. Toys and clothing are appreciated for kids. Please do not wrap used clothing or used toys, as these are not suitable for gifts.