We can almost hear the groans: yes, we've written the word "Christmas" in the paper, and it's still only October.
Most folks prefer not to think about the holiday season until, oh, late November. (Some of the more absentminded manage to not think about it till Christmas Eve when they are suddenly caught up in the last-minute chaos).
But for the folks at the Burnaby Christmas Bureau, there is simply no way to pull together a little holiday magic for scores of families in this city without a whole lot of time - and that means spreading the word as early as possible.
Next Tuesday, Nov. 1, the doors will open at their temporary location in Metropolis at Metrotown, and they'll begin taking registration from families who are in need of a little help this holiday season.
They'll also begin accepting financial donations, matching up families with sponsors and collecting toys for the toy room. (See story page 15.)
Except for the ones at the North Pole, it's safe to say there are few "elves" more busy at this time of year than the staff and volunteers with the bureau.
Unfortunately, they, like most charitable organizations these days, are feeling the double pinch of shaky economic times: more families in need of help and fewer people making donations.
So get involved, in whatever way you can and remember, there is no such thing as "too small" when it comes to helping. Really. It's not just a clichéd line: every single dollar makes a dif-ference. Gather up the loose change in your junk drawer, skip that morning coffee a few days this week, round up your empty pop cans and hold a can drive with your neighbours.
We challenge all of our readers to get involved, in whatever way they can. Yes, we're talking to you: business owners, students, newcomers, lifelong Burnaby-ites, schools, community groups, athletes, seniors, artists, musicians, bankers, accountants, doctors, teachers, politicians. Whoever you are, jump in and get involved.
