TRURO, N.S. — Faye Beaton is encouraging people to share the true spirit of Christmas by helping those in need.
As the support co-ordinator with Souls Harbour Rescue Mission in Truro, she’s heading up an effort to provide Christmas stockings to 50 people.
“It’s Christmas and there’s nothing better than remembering those who are less fortunate,” she said. “It is really what Christmas is about.
If one person does one stocking it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money, and the payback is huge because it gives you a great feeling. You don’t have to do a whole stocking; if you have things to add to other stockings that helps, too.”
Stocking-stuffer suggestions include instant coffee, tea, hot chocolate packets, sweets, gum, combs, lip protector, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, small toiletry items, notepads and pens. Just to make the day more fun, a small surprise item like a Slinky, Silly Putty or Yo-Yo can be added. Things should be unwrapped because they have to be checked before they’re given out.
“Putting stockings together can be a lot of fun,” said Beaton. “Workplaces, groups and families can do it together.
“This will be the only gift some of our guests receive so it will mean a lot to them.”
She hopes to have the stockings completed by mid-December.
Soul’s Harbour provides people with dinners, a 10-minute chapel service, and a chance to socialize four days a week. The space is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 1 to 3 p.m. On Wednesdays, Kane’s Kitchen at Immaculate Conception Church in Truro, provides a noon meal.
“On these cold days it’s wonderful to have a place for people to go,” said Beaton. “Sometimes someone plays a guitar and provides some nice music. Some days we’re feeding 40 people – men, women and some children.
“I love being there. It’s very gratifying.”
Anyone interested in helping with Christmas stockings can email Beaton at [email protected]
