2020 has been an extremely difficult year. So many of our friends, neighbours, family, and community members have been affected terribly by COVID-19. Through this hardship, I am overwhelmingly gratified by the steadfast caring and commitment of this city. PIT Stop continues to provide hot, nourishing food to so many in our community. The dedication of the volunteers and supporters has been so mindful and focused that we are now doing two meals every week. With the collaboration of Kamloops Reach, ‘PIT Stop Too’ is providing a hot meal every Monday afternoon. Thank you for this.

I would really like this year’s Christmas Dinner to be ‘the best ever’. And seriously, the way that Kamloops Rotary Daybreak have done this meal for years and years in the past, it will be hard to beat. As it stands, the meal will be ‘take away’ only. We’re going to do huge portions of turkey, mashed potato, gravy, stuffing, and all the trimmings. And, I’m hoping that this years’ gift bags will be chock-full of items that our guests not only need but will also enjoy. The students at Aberdeen Elementary School will be hand making personalized Christmas cards again, which is a true delight. They’ll also start gathering many items for the bags shortly which will make this their 5th year to do so. Sadly, we will not be able to use the students ‘elf services’ to help Santa give the guests their bags this year due to the pandemic.

I’m attaching the list for items that we are looking for, for the gift bags this year. It’s quite similar to lists from previous years that most of you have seen. I’ve had a $budget so I purchased some of the long underwear already, and all the hand sanitizer has been donated by Jennifer K. (thank you!). Gloves & mitts always seem to be where we fall a bit short on so if anyone can help there, it would be great. I’ve also added small LED flashlights which folks on the street in the dark, really appreciate. Another thing is the GC’s. Especially for grocery stores or food outlets. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could put one in each bag! Any help here would go a long way.

The church door is locked but there is a buzzer and Joanna or one of the staff would be very happy to collect any items that you bring. Receipts will be provided for all $ donations and that money will be used for the bags.If you have any questions, please contact me and I will try to help. Our outside date for donations will be Thursday Dec 10 so that we have time to get the bags ready. The sooner donations can be dropped off, the better!

Would you please share this message with your club members, team members, workplace peers, posts or wherever, as you are able.