People grateful for Santas Anonymous during another tough year

Santas Anonymous once again is bringing cheer this holiday season.

People went to the Salvation Army gift centre Tuesday and Wednesday to pick out toys to wrap up for their children.

Shanda Kydd said she was there to pick up toys for her eight-year-old daughter after a tough year.

“I lost my job last year and I had jobs here and there but nothing really where I could afford the stuff that she wanted,” Kydd said. “A couple of friends of mine said I should apply for this.

“I’m the single mother of a little girl so I did. I’m very grateful and I have tears in my eyes just talking about it.”

Melissa Gordon was also out picking up presents for her family. She has six kids to provide for.

“It’s really nice to have the option to get some extra help. With my family, it’s very large and (during) Christmas, a lot of people struggle around this time with bills and whatnot, COVID especially,” Gordon said. “It’s really great to have help during these hard times.”

It’s not just the people picking out the presents who have a smile on their face.

Carol and Erica Marwick are a mother-daughter duo who are in their second year of helping volunteer with the program.

“It’s just absolutely marvellous. The stories that we hear, we’re just about in tears sometimes,” Carol said. “They’re in tears like, ‘This is the first time I’ve shopped for my kids and they are 12 years old.’ It pulls at your heartstrings.”

“I had some that just had a baby, and they are pregnant as well, and they are so happy that they can give their kids presents,” Erica said.

Kydd said the program is something that’s needed for people to rely on and people shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help if they need it.

“There’s so many of us out there who are suffering from COVID or (who have been) laid off jobs. I find it to be wonderful; these people are donating their time, money, everything,” Kydd said. “If I need the help, I’m going to go and get it. I’m grateful.”

She’s looking forward to seeing her daughter’s face when she opens her gifts.

“My daughter is going to be ecstatic, she’s going to be so excited. She doesn’t understand why I did it, but I did it for her,” Kydd said. “I want her to open something on Christmas and be grateful for what she got.”