HELPING

Porter said seniors have been especially hard-hit by rising costs.

“A lot of those older folks came from hard times,” said Porter, noting they are used to sacrificing to get by. For example, she said, instead of purchasing fresh meat and vegetables, they will often opt for bread and molasses or canned soup.

“This is not healthy; this is not good for them. They need some help.”

Through her connections with various community and school groups, Porter already knows of 80 families requiring assistance. That number will increase as Christmas nears.

Porter said residents have already committed to filling 122 boxes and she has no doubt every box will be spoken for by mid-December.

“Right now, my freezers are empty, and my fridge is empty, so I have no donations of food,” Porter said.

But that’s about to change. Financial donations continue to pour in, allowing Porter to buy turkeys, chickens, and hams to include in the food boxes. She’s also hoping to connect with farmers and grocers to see if they can donate to the cause. She’s hoping residents will also contribute.

She contacts every recipient beforehand to ensure they’re comfortable receiving a box and double-check food preferences and allergies to ensure the donated items won’t go to waste.

Porter’s garage will once again be transformed into a workstation, where people will drop off donations and volunteers will fill the boxes to be delivered midDecember.

She says the public’s generosity has made a difference in so many lives over the past year and a half.

For each Christmas advent bag that was given to a senior, Caremonger Shelley King provided a printed art card she created — complete with a handwritten message inside. It was her way of showing seniors there are people who care about them this holiday season.

NEW PROGRAM LAUNCHED

Porter said they are also rolling out a program that she hopes will lift the spirits of local seniors.

Windsor West Hants Caremongers are busy filling advent bags for seniors. The bags will contain wrapped gifts — one for every day leading up to Christmas.

The bags will be distributed by the end of November.

“There are quite a few seniors in our community that we have come across or that we know about that ... don’t have any family left.

“They live alone in their homes; they’re trying to stay at home. They don’t have family around them or friends. They might only have one person that’s checking on them,” she said.

“We decided we would fill a bag, and every day in December, they can take a gift out of the bag and open it up. They’re getting a bit of cheer through December, up until Christmas Day.”

A few businesses have already donated items for the gift bags, and financial donations have purchased some gifts.

Shelley King, a retired public education professional who creates artistic greeting cards, has been involved with Caremongers since its inception. During the pandemic, she helped deliver groceries to those who couldn’t venture to the store and participated in other initiatives.

When she learned of the Christmas advent bags for seniors, she wanted to put her artistic talent to use. So she is providing a card featuring a print of her artwork and a handwritten message for each recipient.

“We all give what we can, whether it be time or money or talent.

“Together, it all makes a difference. That’s what I think makes this group special,” King said about Caremongers.

She said she hopes her donation will brighten a senior’s day.

“I don’t live alone, and I have lots of people in my life, but I think, sometimes, if I were in that situation, I would like knowing that people are aware that I exist and that they’re thinking about me,” said King.

“I know I appreciate when I get a card in the mail or a note of any kind . ... That was why I wanted to include a little handwritten note.

It’s not just a generic, off the print rack card. It’s something that someone has put some care into.”

Without spoiling the surprise, Porter said the gifts would be items that seniors may need.

“We tried to think of things that they would typically be using on a regular basis, and then there are some treats,” said Porter.

“It’s just something that they can look forward to every day. They can open a little gift.

“That’s probably something they haven’t done in years and years.”

To get involved with any of the initiatives, donate, or to request assistance, visit the Windsor West Hants Caremongers group on Facebook.