Sally Whitson has been keeping Christmas Amalgamated going since the 1970s (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

CHRISTMAS AMALGAMATED

Christmas Amalgamated open for another holiday season to bring joy to Kamloops families

Nov 18, 2019 | 5:28 PM

KAMLOOPS — Christmas is still over a month away, but a well-known local organization is back to bring some holiday cheer to the less fortunate in Kamloops.

Christmas Amalgamated has been open for a week and is starting to register families for gifts and hampers to be given away at Christmas. Christmas Amalgamated was started in the 1970s by Sally Whitson, who saw a need and has been filling that need ever since. Despite hardships to keep the doors open, she has found a way.

It’s been like a marriage, but through sickness and health, Whitson keeps on going. Watching parents be able to provide for their children at Christmas is what brings her such joy.

“It’s something that over the years, I’ve turned this from them coming through the door with a box of broken toys and food that is inadequate for a meal for anybody, let alone for a family, into something that allows the mother to be able to choose what she needs for her kids,” said Whitson.

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: The icon who is Taylor Swift

Nov 17, 2024

Two and Out

PETERS: Business owners shouldn't be held responsible for nuisance calls

Nov 15, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: November 14, 2024

Nov 15, 2024

Whitson recently broke three vertebrae in her back and relies on a walker to get around. But she’s still there every day, sorting toys and making sure children and families have a wonderful holiday season.

Whitson says this year, however, the organization is low on toys for children under two. “We have very few toys for the babies. We have lots of clothes for babies. But the toys, we always seem to have a shortage of toys. You do need them for the under two-year-olds in order for them to learn how to use their hands and that sort of thing,” she said.

Whitson has had her elf — husband Les Lawless — with her every step of the way. Over the last four decades, he’s helped where he can. Lawless does a lot of the driving, especially this year with Sally’s mobility issues.

“I do all the running around with the vehicle. I drive around, pick up things, all things to take care,” he said.

But it’s not just Les. Whitson has many core volunteers to help make every holiday season bright. The community comes together to ensure everyone is taken care of at Christmas.

“In many communities, when they run out of food they close their doors and walk away,” noted Whitson. “Or they limit themselves to 50 [people]. That’s it. ‘Sorry, you can’t come here. You’re No. 51’ kind of thing. So in this community, if we run out of food, we go to the people and ask for help. They’ve never let us down.”

To help Sally and Les at Christmas Amalgamated, whether it’s your time or new toy or non-perishable food donation, you can visit them at the Fortune Shopping Centre. You can also call them at (250) 376-0777.