Union Gospel Mission seeks donations for holidays

Keeping the holidays affordable to local families in need is what the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) tries to achieve with its annual Christmas Gift Hamper Store.

This year, the store has a renewed focus on children, calling for donations that will then be wrapped into gift hampers.

Nick Wells, spokesperson for UGM, says the store is in more demand than at any time in its eight-year existence.

“Our food hamper program is seeing more demand than ever. We are seeing longer lines for meals,” he told 1130 NewsRadio.

“Christmas can come in a really awkward time for people when they’re just trying to afford their bills. And this is a way to kind of make the holiday season a little less stressful.”

Wells says that UGM is accepting donations of sports equipment, brand-name toys, Nerf guns, headphones, and clothes.

“We would love more sports equipment. We would love more brand-name toys like Barbies or Legos. Sports equipment has been really flying off the shelves. So, kids are really wanting to get hockey gear, soccer balls, all that kind of fun stuff,” he explained.

“If you have new or unused toys that you think could be a fit, we are always looking for donations.”

UGM has already given gifts to 490 children this year, but Wells says the need is greater than ever, given that communities continue to deal with unaffordability, particularly during a time of season when there is a focus on spending.

“We want to make sure that every kid has something to unwrap on Christmas Day.”

The UGM’s Christmas Gift Hamper Store has been operating since 2017.

With files from John Ackermann.