Image Credit: CFJC Today

By Chad Klassen

STUFF THE STOCKINGS

Interior Community Services hoping to Stuff The Stockings for vulnerable youth in Kamloops

Dec 16, 2019 | 3:54 PM

KAMLOOPS — Interior Community Services is trying to make the holidays a little more bright for some of the most vulnerable youth in the city.

Employees with the Youth Street Outreach Program are hoping to put together 15 to 20 stockings for youth 13 to 24 years old that are homeless or struggling to pay rent.

The stockings will offer some of their basic needs and a few treats during the Christmas season. It helps bring hope during an otherwise difficult time of year for many youths in Kamloops.

“It’s pretty challenging right now. Today’s a pretty cold and wet day. If they don’t have anywhere to go, it’s a pretty miserable time of year, and especially if they don’t have anyone to spend the holidays with,” said program coordinator of the Kamloops Youth Street Outreach Program Tanya Tolman. “On Wednesday night, we’re having our outreach meal, so any youth 13 to 24 can come between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. for a Christmas meal.”

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Interior Community Services is looking for donations to help fill the stockings.

“Any basic hygiene supplies — socks, underwear, toques, gloves. Those kinds of things. To-go item foods like granola bars, juice boxes, instant oatmeal, soup packages,” noted Tolman. “Small-denomination gift cards are really helpful for youth to be able to go, and if they need a meal and they’re not able to access any of the other options in the community, they can go and get one.”

If you’re interested in donating, you can visit the outreach program at 408 Seymour Street or call (250) 374-7435.