2008 HAMPER CAMPAIGN
What This Campaign is All About !

September 1, 2008

Dear Donors:

Each year, we are gratified by your response to our call for support during our Annual Family Hamper Drive.

Your generosity and kindness never ceases to inspire and hearten our staff and volunteers.

We should explain how your contributions of time, resources and funds will make a difference in the less fortunate lives of others.

We organize to supply hampers for approximately 100 families in most need each Christmas season.

These hampers go to families we know well, for they belong to the children who are registered in our education and treatment programs.

We know whose household is undergoing trauma and distress, and whose children are in greatest need. Our professional staff of psychologists, speech and occupational therapists, social workers, teachers and educational assistants are in constant touch and visit these families regularly. That's how we know their holiday needs and wishes!

These families have needs which become even more pressing during the holidays when children's expectations for gifts and celebratory food overwhelm a solo parent, a single breadwinner, or an unemployed father or mom, who have empty pocket books and insurmountable family stresses.

The toys, the candies, along with the vital personal and household items you provided, bring great joy --we can testify to that. Your gifts and donations make life differences for children who dream about a visit from Santa Claus this year!

Through your hamoer gift, these families receive your messages of love, best wishes, and hopes for merry times, and they are overwhelmed with your generosity.

When we pick up your hampers, we deliver them the same day to the families whom you sponsor.

Parents want us to tell you of their great thanks for giving their children a 'normal' Christmas morning.

The impact of this generosity lasts many families well into the New Year.

But we're never done! Our organization continues throughout the year, to provide families with money to pay a utility bill before services are cut, or to buy diapers or a bus pass or pay a grocery bill. We provide this help as a continuum of our mandate to help these youngsters.

When you help their families, you directly help these children in lasting ways.

You can sponsor a hamper as an individual or as an employee in an office, or as a member of a club, association or church group. You can assemble a hamper or contribute towards one--the choice is unlimited for your Christmas giving.

Ilona Boyce, MSW, Executive Director, EvenStart for Children's Society, Calgary