About Sweetmama Editor
Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.
Sharing the Holiday Cheer
silver spoons: sweet charity canada
(Dec.13.10)
As holiday season approached, my friend Kate and I discussed what we might do to get all our peeps and their little peeps together. We wanted to get together with families we pass in hallways or on sidewalks, but don't get to spend much quality time with. We discussed how much stuff our kids get (it's ridiculous, really) and we decided that we wanted to do something charitable, too. How could we marry the two in our tiny Toronto homes?
Enter the local community centre. At about $30-$40 per hour, their party rooms are reasonable to rent out. The mess would happen some place else and the size of the room made it possible to invite a lot of people. We quickly commandeered my husband to play Santa for 30 minutes and drafted a guest list. And so, our very first East Side Yuletide was born. (Details below.)
The rules: Guests had to bring a small ($10-$15) wrapped and labelled gift for their child(ren), something nibbly to add to the buffet table, and a generous unwrapped toy for our toy drive.
The charity: The St. James Town Safety Committee toy drive, serving one of Toronto's most diverse and in-need communities (it's estimated that 40% of residents live below the poverty line). If you're interested, the St. James Town Safety Committee's drive will accept donations at 77 Howard St. E., apartment 716, with information available by phone at 416-929-7810.
The results: The party was a success. Families new to Toronto, or just to our neighbourhood got to know each other. Many of us who are friends but had never met each other's children or spouses put faces to the griping (just kidding, everyone was adorable and well-behaved). The kids enjoyed crafts, chasing each other in a big room and, of course, Santa's magical appearance. There was just enough food and someone else mopped the floors after (thanks lovely community centre employees!).
Best of all we raised a mountain (OK, a small hill) of really great toys and books for our charity initiative. Our basket spilleth over.
How you can help: Are you having a holiday party? Consider adding a charity element. Most of us have so much at this time of year and sharing is what the holidays are about. Food banks, women's and homeless shelters, as well as small community organizations are always in need and you'd be surprised how quickly your donation pile adds up when friends all contribute.
Got extra? Unwanted toys don't have to be returned or sent to the Island of Misfit Toys. Your local Salvation Army collects toys and goods year-round. Your kid's ignored stuffie or board game can be an underprivileged kid's birthday present. Call ahead to be certain (donation policies vary) and be sure to specify that you're dropping off unused goods.
My kids will be going along with their Santa-dad to drop off the goods so that they can put some context to the concept. I want them to get that feeling of doing something good for others, so that we can start doing more of that, throughout the year. The feeling that accompanies giving is a gift in itself.
I can't wait to do it again next year.