The Spirit of Community extends outside Grandview boundaries, so when the call for help came from the organizers of the Holiday Hampers, a ready crew of 10 reported for duty early on December 17th.

 

They packed, sorted and piled a mountain of food supplies for several hours adding to it what had been collected at our earlier Christmas party, food and money ($177.66 contribution to the purchase of fresh produce to add to the Hampers.)

 

 

As typical of all Grandview events, everyone brought their smiles and spirit of fun as well as helping hands. Looking at all those boxes and boxes of food seemed like a daunting task, but after a few words of instruction from the organizers, we joined all the other volunteers and went to work. At times, as more and more donations were brought in, it seemed like the task would never be completed, but slowly, box by box, order was created from chaos.

 

 

Unused muscles and joints were exersised and several miles were walked, but what a rewarding workout! It was so heartwarming to think of the hundreds of Castlegar people who had donated so much in order to bring some Christmas cheer to the less fortunate in our society. It is truly rewarding to be a part of such a giving community.

 

 

Our cheerful crew did what comes naturally. As Fred said, he has been doing it every Christmas since he was a kid.

 

I'm sure Grandview helpers will be present next year to lend their smiles and helping hands for such a worthy cause.