If you’re looking to help one of Greater Sudbury’s less fortunate citizens this Christmas, you’re invited to take part in the Mistle”toes” project.
All you have to do is fill a pair of warm winter socks with personal care items (see full list of suggestions below) and drop them off at one of Greater Sudbury’s Giant Tiger stores or Extreme North Gymnastics in Chelmsford until Dec. 15.
Elgin Street Mission executive chaplain Pastor Amanda Robichaud said the Mistle”toes” will be handed out at the organization’s Christmas dinner.
That dinner, by the way, takes place Dec. 22, and will be a socially-distanced sit-down meal at the Caruso Club, being put on in partnership with the Lougheed Foundation and Caruso. Transportation will be provided to clients.
Robichaud said initiatives such as Mistle”toes” tell her clients that people really do care about them.
“I think a lot of people care, but it is hard to know what to do at a time like this,” she said. “This is just a simple way to communicate that someone is thinking about you and someone cares.”
This initiative’s organizer is local teacher Dominica Frometa.
“It’s such a wonderful way to become involved and just act upon the true meaning of Christmas, which for me is giving back, especially to those in need,” she said.
“Christmas is a difficult time for many. If there’s an opportunity that we can make a difference in someone’s life, why not be a part of it?”
After teachers at St. Francis Catholic Elementary School, where Frometa works, started putting Mistle”toes” under the tree in her classroom, students in her Grade 3-4 class got involved as well.
“I explained the project, and right away, they were so interested in it and wanting to be a part of it,” she said.
“It just warms my heart and gives me goosebumps, because it’s so nice for them to understand that aspect of giving throughout the Christmas holidays and the season.
“Every day, I’ve been having students bring Mistle”toes” in, and it’s such a beautiful thing to see and for them to learn. It’s such a big learning opportunity for them.”
Below is a list of suggested items to put in the socks, although you are not limited to these items:
- Hygiene Products: soap, cream, deodorant, shampoo powder, toothpaste, dental floss, nail kit, facecloths, Vicks Vapour Rub, cough drops, Vaseline, bandages, lip balm, chapstick, baby wipes, Kleenex, hair accessories, combs, brush, etc. For the females, panty liners, pads, tampons, menstrual cups.
- Essentials: Small flashlight, hand/foot warmers, mints, gum, individually wrapped energy bars, boot liners, puzzle books, pens, deck of cards, harmonica, hair pins and ice grips for boots (either men’s or women’s sizes).
