With about six weeks to go until Christmas, it’s time to get into the spirit of the season, and once again, the Flamborough Review is teaming up with Flamborough Information and Community Services (FICS) to make the holidays a little brighter for local seniors in need.

Launched last year, the Christmas Connection collected unwrapped gifts, personal items and gift cards and certificates at trees located around town. Working alongside agencies such as the Flamborough Food Bank, the Lynden United Church and CHOICES, FICS Executive Director Shelley Scott “connected” the items with families who otherwise could have been forgotten –just in time for the holidays.

The success of the Christmas Connection lies in the fact that, as a small community, each Flamborough agency is in a position to help each other.

This year’s program will follow the same format as last year. The Review’s Christmas tree (30 Main Street North), and the tree at FICS (163 Dundas Street East) will be decorated and ready for donations by Monday, November 24.

The drive will wrap up on December 15, to ensure that all the items can be delivered in time for Christmas.

According to Scott, last year’s response demonstrated that there is a great need locally is among seniors, who are often getting by on limited income.

“Everything at Christmas seems to centre on children,” she noted. “But there are many seniors who are in need and often on their own. We have already had some requests for clothing, so any cash donations can be used to purchase items.

“These are difficult things to get donated but they really zero in on the need.”

Suitable items for donation can also range from gift cards for local stores or eating establishments to personal items or gifts that will make someone’s day.

Those who donate will receive a special Christmas star cutout, on which they can write their name and hang on the Christmas Connection tree.