by Sylene Argent
One of the greatest thrills of the Christmas season is witnessing youth enjoy the excitement of the season. That is why the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Essex Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch 201) collected an array of toy items for this year’s Santa’s Cause for Kids program.
Essex Firefighter Kevin Fram and OPP Constable Joe Meloche picked up the large donation of new, unwrapped toys last Thursday evening, as the members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary hosted their annual Christmas Party in the Legion’s hall.
Ladies’ Auxiliary member, Christine Hayes, explained members of this community service group used to host a secret Santa program between members, but over the last several years, the group has instead collected toys for the Santa’s Cause for Kids program. The change was in wanting to ensure every child wakes up to a bright and exciting Christmas morning.
In addition, Hayes noted, the Ladies’ Auxiliary presented the Essex Salvation Army and the Essex Area Food Bank with $200 each. This annual donation is made to support the two local food distribution programs during their busiest times of the year.
The Ladies Auxiliary raises funds to make these types of donations by hosting meat pie sales and hosting banquets at the Legion.
During the Christmas Party, members of the Ladies’ Auxiliary enjoyed a meal – which was prepared and served by Legion members – and then participated in an array of fun games. Hayes said the annual Christmas Party is the largest Ladies’ Auxiliary meeting of the year.
Several local businesses are collecting new, unwrapped toys for the Santa’s Cause for Kids program. OPP officers and local firefighters will pick up the donations in the near future. They will the be distributed to the Essex Area Food Bank, the Salvation Army, the St. Vincent de Paul Chapters in Harrow and McGregor, and the Zeta Kappa Sorority for its Santa’s Sack program. These service organizations will distribute the donations to youth of families facing economic stressful times.