Again this year, Shelley Hoffman is running The Gift of Christmas to help patients at Timmins and District Hospital.
Since she was in training to be an RN, Hoffman has noticed patients – especially in the mental health and addictions units and the emergency department — often lack necessities, right down to underwear and socks.
So she reaches out to the community to donate money and items and usually packs 20 women’s and 20 men’s gift boxes.
“It’s December and it’s winter,” she points out. “There’ll be a hat, like a warm hat, warm gloves or mitts actually, and a pair of warm socks.”
Each box also contains basic hygiene items and other random stuff.
One thing Hoffman needs herself is volunteer help with all aspects of the operation.
“If anyone would be willing to come alongside me to help, that would be great for pickups and dropoffs and stuff like that.”
…and for packing the boxes.
The donation deadline is December 16th. Keep an eye out for Hoffman’s posts on the Timmins ON Facebook page or email shelleyahoffman@gmail.com .
