Tis the season of giving: Christmas Bureau

FOOD2It’s the season of giving.
And Mission Christmas Bureaucan bring tears of joy to those less fortunate at this special time of the year.
For decades, MCSS Christmas hampers have been filled with festive food and presents for children and adults.
Gifts often are a close match to those who register their “wish lists.”
Last year the bureau created 711 hampers,360 for families and 351 for adults who are single or sign on as a couple. To register for the service, Mission identification, proof of income and Care Cards are required.
“We try to match at least one item to each person’s wishlist,” said Christmas Bureau coordinator Phil Hope. Information about the Christmas Bureau and Food Centre can be obtained by calling either 604-814-3333 or 604-826-3634.
Donations can be dropped off at the Christmas Bureau headquarters at 32646 Logan Avenue, Firehall #1 on Seventh Avenue, at Mission Community Services Society headquarters at 33179 Second Avenue or at our seasonal satellite office between the Dollar Store and Black Bond Books at the Junction Mall in Mission.  Link to story in the Mission Record about the launch of the Christmas Bureau this year is HERE.

* Mission Christmas Bureau takes registration for its festive hampers. Personal identification, proof of income and residence, and proof of children’s identification are required. The Christmas Bureau is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. REGISTRATION FOR HAMPERS BEGINS ON TUESDAY, NOV. 17 AND CLOSES ON DEC. 4.
Donation dropoff is from Nov. 16 to Dec. 23, Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Community events supporting Mission Christmas Bureau this year are:
+ Rotary Carol Festival, Nov. 24, at Clarke Theatre. Admission by donation to Christmas Bureau.
+ Donations of non-perishable food at annual Mission Regional Chamber of Commerce Candlelight Parade, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4. Info: Allison Jack (604-826-6914).
+ Warm Up! Candlelight Parade After Party, 7 p.m. to late at The Stage, 32998 First Ave. Admission by donation, with proceeds to Mission Christmas Bureau and Mission Folk Music Festival. 19+ event. Featuring the Mistle Toes . . . local favourite performers Kat Wahamaa, Tony Rees, Jennie Bice and John Welsh.
+ Third Annual Festival of Trees at All Saints Anglican Church (corner of Second Avenue and James Street), Dec. 8-12. Info: Joy Cox (604-556-6069) or Margaret Peake (604-556-6976)
+ Christmas at the Clarke, Dec. 16 (tickets at RONA, Prospera Credit Union, House of James, Rex Cox).
+ Mission Fire & Rescue supports the Christmas Bureau every year by collecting donations in Mission neighbourhoods.  2015 Christmas Bureau