Sometimes it’s that little extra touch at Christmas that makes all the difference to a family in need.
At the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, where registered low-income families pick out toys for their children, parents are often surprised that there’s something extra.
Since 1996, bureau volunteers have been running the Mothers’ Table, which is a collection of donations the bureau receives above and beyond toys. Typical items include Christmas decorations, candles, comforters, jewelry, picture frames, lotions, clothing, books, soaps, and cosmetics. Once the parents peruse the bureau’s toy room and select something for their children, they have the chance to choose items from the Mothers’ Table, as well.
“Most of them can’t believe they get more,” said Janice Cambruzzi, a longtime volunteer with the bureau. “They say, ‘Really? More? I’ve already got so much.’ They are overwhelmed that they can actually pick something else for their kids.”
Cambruzzi recalls a particularly moving example, when she presented a donated box set of the Chronicles of Narnia to a mom visiting the toy room to see if she would be interested.
“(She) burst into tears because I happened to have the exact set of books her daughter had asked for,” Cambruzzi recalled. “She said, ‘Oh, thank you so much. I can’t believe it. This is all my daughter wanted for Christmas, and you guys just made Christmas so special.”
Parents can visit the Mothers’ Table and pick out clothing, children’s books, clothing, stuffed animals and a variety of other objects.
Cambruzzi, who has been overseeing the Mothers’ Table for about seven years, explained there are not many donated items for men, hence the focus on mothers.
The Christmas Bureau, facilitated by Burnaby Community Services, makes sure local, low-income families have presents under the tree and seniors have gift hampers for the holidays.
“The Mothers’ Table is really about family,” said Stephen D’Souza, executive director with Burnaby Community Services. “While the Burnaby Christmas Bureau focuses on the children and seniors, we are really trying to make sure everyone can celebrate the holidays. There is still a long way to go, but little things like the Mothers’ Table make a big difference.”
While the Christmas Bureau is primarily interested in donations of new, unwrapped toys, articles of clothing and books are also greatly appreciated for the Mothers’ Table.
To donate, drop items off at the toy room at 7252 Kingsway, in the old library branch.
The room is open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m, or Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For more information on how to get involved with the bureau, go to www.burnabycommunityconnections.com.
