The Kiwanis Club of Oliver is once again appealing to community businesses, clubs and individuals – for support of its annual Share The Spirit program.

Since 2004 the program has coordinated generous community support to bring Christmas cheer to local needy families with children.

Family applications are provided to Kiwanis program coordinators from Desert Sun Counselling, the Boys and Girls Club of Oliver and the Oliver Mission to be paired with sponsoring families and businesses in the community.

Neither the Family nor the Sponsor knows the other’s identity.

Sponsors are provided with details of their family’s composition, ages and a helpful wish list. The sponsor purchases items for the family according to their own budget. All gifts are wrapped and brought to a central location for delivery by the Kiwanis Club the week before Christmas.

In 2015, 56 families were supported by 24 sponsors.

“We need more sponsors for this year,” stressed Club Member and former President Lee Chic. “If we have insufficient sponsors for 2016, the Kiwanis Club of Oliver may have to significantly reduce the number of participating families and possibly leave local children without a happier Christmas.”

If you or your company or club would like to sponsor a family or make a cash donation, please contact Lee at: 250-408-9669.

-Dale Cory