Christmas Cheer’s newest volunteers grateful to give back

A pair of long-time friends who recently entered retirement have found a fulfilling way to stay busy this holiday season.

The Sault’s Mike McKinley and Cindy MacKay are two of the newest volunteers at the Christmas Cheer depot in the Station Mall. Their job this year is to browse through thousands of locally donated items and attempt to match the gifts with specific requests from participating families.

“This organization blows us away,” McKinley said. “Everyone has their own job, and they’re all really good at it. It’s amazing how it all flows. There are so many things you don’t even realize that are happening.”

“It’s an operation you never really anticipate how much is involved until you see it,” MacKay added. “The behind the scenes work that goes on to support these families and children is incredible. It’s very rewarding to give back.”

Joining nearly 50 volunteers inside the mall’s former Walmart, McKinley and MacKay have been hard at work throughout November and into December preparing for one of the busiest seasons Christmas Cheer has ever seen locally.

The organization’s convenor, Diane Marshall, told SooToday that 1,700 residents had applied to be recipients of the program as of Monday. She expects that number could eclipse last year’s total of 1,985 before the application deadline closes this Friday.

“The demand is certainly high, so we do what we can,” she said. “But all of our volunteers are seasoned. They know exactly what to do and they’re very committed, so we’re in good shape.”

“It's surprising to see how many families in need there are,” MacKay added. “We’re very happy to help these families and support the community.”

Now a retired elementary school teacher, McKinley says Marshall had actually hired him 30 years ago when she was the superintendent of education.

“It came full circle,” he laughed. “I’ve always been interested in this organization because of her, but I could never do it since I was teaching. There’s a lot of need here, and these volunteers have been great people to work with.”

While the demand for Christmas Cheer has been on a steady rise in recent years, so too has the generosity of the Sault, according to the group’s long-time convenor.

“We’re so fortunate that our community is so generous,” Marshall said. “They’re absolutely incredible. Whether it’s the Teddy Bear Toss or the canned food drives at the schools, we’ve been so fortunate to have a community that’s been so responsive.”

“The Station Mall was very generous with letting us use the Walmart space as well,” she added. “It’s a wonderful facility for us. It has a loading dock, so we can receive things easily. It’s warm, it’s bright, and it’s easily accessible.”

Marshall notes that this year's drive is accepting new toys and gently used dolls, puzzles, games and books. Gift cards, new mitts, scarves, hats and grooming items are also greatly appreciated.

Applications to be a Christmas Cheer recipient are open until Friday Dec. 1 by phoning 705-575-5100.

Donations can be dropped off at the Christmas Cheer depot in the Station Mall’s former Walmart until Dec. 12, but the public is encouraged to donate gifts as soon as possible.

The depot is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Access is through the inside mall entrance.           

Delivery of the Christmas Cheer baskets will take place one day only on Wednesday, Dec. 13.