Families grateful for ‘It Takes a Village’ hampers

Once again, the “It Takes a Village” campaign, organized by FoodMesh Kindersley, was a huge success. Although temperatures dipped close to -30 C on Friday, Dec. 12, parents picking up their packages were warmed by the generosity of their community.

Baby Daxton is one of 17 children who benefited from the ‘It Takes a Village’ campaign organized by FoodMesh Kindersley. His family received a hamper of baby products and a gift card. SUBMITTED

“Everyone was super grateful,” Leonora Grassl said. The organizers were as excited to hand out the free supplies as families were to receive them.

Earlier in the week, volunteers were busy assembling the care packages and topping each one with a cuddly toy. “We received $3,100 in monetary donations,” Jessica Dezan said, exceeding last year’s $2,000 contribution.

Leonora and Jessica used the funds to purchase remaining supplies, ensuring each family received a box of diapers, wipes and formula. “We ended up filling four carts of supplies and were able to give each family a gift card,” Jessica said.

“Lifetime Dental also helped us a lot by being a drop-off location,” she added. All donated supplies were placed under the Lifetime Dental collection tree.

A total of 17 children benefited from the packages. “The care packages go out on child tax day so parents can budget for Christmas. Hopefully, we can take diapers and wipes off their shopping list for the month,” Jessica said.

The generosity of Kindersley residents reflects the truth in the African proverb: “It takes a village to raise a child.”