Carleton Place Christmas Basket program opens request line Nov. 2

CARLETON PLACE · The Carleton Place Christmas Basket and Angel Tree Program will open its request phone line on Nov. 2 for residents in need of holiday assistance. The line, 343-324-3786, will operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, until Dec. 4. The program serves individuals and families living within the K7C postal code area. Organizers say all requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality and personal information is not shared with other organizations.

The volunteer-led initiative provides everything needed for a Christmas breakfast and turkey supper. Children aged 16 and under also receive a gift through the program. Organizer Wayne Drummond said the program fulfilled every request last year, distributing up to 250 boxes to help approximately 400 children and 600 adults. "While many people sit down to a Christmas supper with plenty before them, some individuals and families cannot do the same," Drummond said. "Our program works to ensure that no one in our community goes without."

Gift suggestions for children are collected by call takers and passed along to donors. Wish lists are then placed on "Angels" displayed on Christmas trees in participating local businesses, giving community members a direct way to help a child. The program has its roots in a community effort to streamline assistance, where local groups unified to have one organization manage all basket distribution while others contribute funds. The Angel Tree component was added later and eventually merged with the basket program. Drummond noted the program is a separate initiative from the Family and Children’s Service of Lanark, Leeds and Grenville and Ontario Provincial Police Angel Tree Program. He said the program cost $51,000 last year, with every dollar raised through the generosity of local groups and individuals. "Those donations put a Christmas meal on the table and a gift under the tree for families right here in our community," Drummond said.

The program originated from a problem identified years ago where some families in need received multiple hampers from different organizations while others went without. A meeting of local groups led to a unified approach with one organization managing all basket distribution and others contributing funds. Individuals and businesses can support the program through financial donations. Organizers emphasize that the program is entirely volunteer-run and relies on community generosity to operate each holiday season.

With files from Inside Ottawa Valley