‘Tis the time of year to share holiday cheer by ensuring local families have gifts under the tree.
The Stonewall and District Christmas Cheer Board is an organization that collects unwrapped gifts and cash donations to help make the holiday season a little brighter for those in need. The local organization serves people in Stonewall, Stony Mountain, Balmoral, Argyle, Grosse Isle, Rosser and Warren.
“We want our families to have a little less stress throughout the holiday season so they can enjoy their Christmas,” said Nancy Hoff of the Stonewall and District Christmas Cheer Board.
“Last year we gave out 129 hampers to families. These have a gift card to a local grocery store. There is also a hamper for children under 18. These will have things like pyjamas, mitts, toque, school supplies, books, games and toys.”
The local cheer board doesn’t collect any food items but they encourage people to give directly to the Stonewall Food Bank.
“We have been very lucky in the past years that many local people, businesses, organizations and sports teams have supported us,” Hoff said, adding that they don’t collect donations along the Festival of Lights parade route anymore.
“People can donate all year long. We encourage anyone interested to challenge their friends, family and businesses to collect donations.”
The most needed items this year include gifts for teens such as gift cards, toiletries, bags, wallets, backpacks, pyjamas, hoodies and sweatpants. For wee ones, gifts could include socks and toys. Gifts for all ages include “stay-dry” mittens and warm toques, water bottles, board games, crafts and school supplies.
“This year, people can donate by scanning our new QR code,” Hoff said. “They can also drop monetary donations off at Access Credit Union in Stonewall or with Nancy at CIBC.”
Donations can also be mailed to Box 1991, Stonewall, MB, R0C 2Z0 or e-transfer to stonewallcheerboard@gmail.com. In addition, many local businesses have boxes where people can drop off unwrapped items until Dec. 16. In Stonewall, these businesses include Co-operators Insurance, Quarry Physio, Complete Physiotherapy, TD Bank, CIBC, Stonewall Hair Source, Red River Co-op Food Store, IDA Pharmacy and the library. Donations can also be dropped off at Warren Chiropractic and at 204 Pallet and Packaging in Stony Mountain.
The cutoff to request a hamper this year is Dec. 10. The phone number for hamper requests is 204-467-7370.
Hamper pickup will be Dec 20. 2025. Learn more at www.facebook.com.
