As the deadline for the Angel Tree approaches, there are still several tags left on the tree.
Those tags have the names of Campbell River children, from birth to 18-years-old, in need this Christmas.
Those who would like to participate in the Angel Tree are encouraged to pull a tag from the tree, which lists the child’s age, their wants and their needs.
The person who takes the tag then purchases what they can from the list of items on the card. The items range from clothing, to diapers and toiletries, to toys.
Dawn Hamilton, the co-ordinator of the Downtown BIA (Business Improvement Association) Angel Tree which is stationed in the lobby of the Coast Discovery Inn, said as of Thursday morning there were 75 tags left on tree. The deadline for people to bring their unwrapped gifts back to the Angel Tree is this Sunday, Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
Hamilton said “a bit of panic” is starting to set in as she’d like to see all the tags gone. The children on the tree have been selected by various social agencies around town as in need of some generosity this holiday season.
Hamilton said for some of the children, what they receive from the Angel Tree may be the only gift they receive this Christmas.
While the tree relies on the generosity of individuals and families, several local businesses have stepped up to the plate this year.
On Wednesday, CIBC dropped by the Angel Tree to deliver a $1,000 cheque to purchase items left over from the tags. The money was raised through 50/50 draws, a bake sale, Jeans Days, and a book sale, with donations coming from both staff and clients.
Quality Foods raised well over $2,000 and the staff used the money to shop for toys, socks and underwear for the children. The store raised the money through Ugly Sweater days, a bake sale for its customers, as well as through staff and customer donations.
At CRDanceXtreme and Fitness, a tree was put up in the lobby with 150 tags. Each tag had one item on it, typically a toiletry or clothing item, for clients of the dance studio to purchase. The items will be given to the Angel Tree specially for the teenagers who have tags on the tree.
For those who would like to participate in the Angel Tree, tags can be picked up and items dropped off at the Coast Discovery Inn today from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Donations of new toys, toiletries, and clothing are welcome.