Backpacks for homeless

Photo: Darren Handschuh

With the Christmas season rapidly approaching, the Upper Room Mission is once again gearing up for their busiest time of year.

Lisa Anderson, URM director of resource development, said the mission is once again collecting backpacks full of items to be distributed to the city's less fortunate.

People are asked to fill a backpack and drop it off at the URM, 3403-27th Ave., to be distributed at the annual Christmas Eve dinner.

“Suggested items to fill your backpack with are socks, gloves, toques, pens, notepads, flashlights, toiletry items, Band-Aids, Kleenex, it’s up to you. Please label your backpack either male or female,” said Anderson.

“Another great way to support the Upper Room Mission is by sponsoring a meal. Gather some of your co-workers together, or make it a special family event, and put together a meal that you can serve up to those in need. Of course, monetary donations are always needed and greatly appreciated.”

Tax-deductible donations can be made online at the mission's website, by cheque, payable to Upper Room Mission, or simply stop by the centre.

“The services provided by the mission are one of a kind here in Vernon,” said Anderson. “We serve three meals a day, five days a week to needy families, seniors, the disabled, and of course, the homeless.”

So far this year, the mission has provided more than 75,000 meals, and the numbers continue to grow. “The mission relies on the generosity of donors to provide the much-needed services to the people of Vernon,” said Anderson.

For more information on how to help the mission during the Christmas giving season, contact Anderson at 250-549-1231 ext. 29, or email [email protected].