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Christmas Wonders helps make the season bright continued from p.9 Stassen said KSM is on track to meeting the goal, with one-third of it already raised. What makes the program so special to her is the joy she sees on people's faces when they receive the gift cards, pajamas and toys. "It's just really gratifying to see people respond," Stassen added. "Like this morning, I had coffee with one of our donors and at the end of the chat she wrote a cheque for $1,000." She said if KSM weren't there to provide Christmas for families in need, they would have to go without. That reality is what has kept her motivated to continue the tradition each year. Financial donations of $50 will help purchase two gift cards for grocery stores, while a $100 donation purchases a food card and a Christmas gift. A donation of $1,500 will help provide support for a struggling family for not only Christmas, but for the whole year. While the program mainly provides support for Christmas, it also helps KSM continue providing its programs and services through the end of January and February when charitable groups tend to struggle to get donations. Oakville resident Rose Kaczmarek, who uses KSM programs and services, but also volunteers her time to help out at the food store and in other ways, said programs like Christmas Wonders and Beyond truly make a difference in the lives of those who are struggling. "Kerr Street Mission is the best thing they could have out here. There are a lot of people who need it and can use it. I know I'm one of them. I lost my husband in January. Without Kerr Street being there, I would've starved," Kaczmarek told the Oakville Beaver, after helping stock KSM's food bank shelves and walking a community member home. After paying for rent, the phone bill, medication and other expenses, there's little left for food, she said. KSM has provided a community in which she can belong, Kaczmarek added, noting she volunteers two days during the week and sometimes helps out during dinners. She noted the Christmas Wonders program helps families, who can't afford to buy gifts, to make their children's Christmas extra special. "They only have limited funds," she said, adding she's worked all her life, raised three kids, even worked three jobs at one point, and knows first-hand what others are facing at this time of the year. Kaczmarek said she's thankful for KSM's generosity and is paying it forward in the best way she can, with her time and effort. KSM has been serving low-income and atrisk families and youths in the community for nearly 20 years, originally as a small food share cooperative. Today, it provides essential programs and services for families and their children, through its community dinners, food bank and youth after-school and drop-in programs. To make a donation, visit www.kerrstreet. com, mail cheques marked "Christmas" to Kerr Street Mission, 485 Kerr St. Oakville, Ontario, L6K 3C6, or drop by the office. Gift cards to Wal-Mart and other grocery stores in $25 denominations are also welcome. Income tax receipts will be issued. 11 | Friday, December 11, 2015 | OAKVILLE BEAVER | www.insideHALTON.com Maya, Grade 8. Current HSC theatre luminary, future star on the world stage. Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. We are currently accepting applications for September 2016. Call 905-389-1367, or visit www.hsc.on.ca. Store CloSing Sale CREATE YOUR DREAM h t a B r o n e Kitch 20 YEARS EXPERIENCE | QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP | CUSTOM DESIGNS Call for a Free Estimate 905-847-2975 (formerly hopedale mall) South oakville Centre This loCaTion only 905-844-3332 Located Between cIBc & td BanK www.aromakitchens.ca Visit our showroom: 333 Wyecroft Rd. Unit 3, Oakville Classique-Decor.com