Lennoxville Elementary School plans to distribute Christmas baskets to families-in-need in the area, however, they will not be accepting any non-perishable food items this year.
Bonnie Smith and Isabelle Desbiens, teachers and basket organizers at the school, told The Record that they will only be taking cash and cheque donations. Funds raised for the annual event will then be used to purchase items at the local Provigo.
“We haven’t sent anything to our school community, but if anybody wants to donate some money either by cheque or cash, we’d be happy to accept anything,” said Smith.
According to the two organizers, students normally bring in a hefty amount of food. But the school wants to avoid unnecessary contact with cans and other non-perishable food. Smith said they needed to consider the best way to avoid any potential spread of COVID-19.
The school helps between 12 and 15 families each year. They expect to hit the same target, despite only receiving monetary donations. Smith added that Lennoxville residents can make a donation directly to the school’s secretary.
Smith and Desbiens will use the money to order turkeys, carrots, potatoes and other items. The school aims to give out the baskets a few days before Christmas Eve. However, Smith continued, they are
still ironing out a few distribution details.
“It’s different from last year that’s why we’re still sort of, you know, we’re not sure of all the answers yet,” said Smith.
