Merritt mother and daughter making Christmas brighter for those in need

A Merritt mother and her daughter are once again doing their part to ensure those who are less fortunate experience a bit of Christmas magic themselves.

For the past nine years, Colleen Moore and her now 16-year-old daughter, Sienna, have been collecting items and monetary donations that allow them to purchase items for the homeless and those in need here in Merritt, during the cold winter months.

“It started when I was working at a local establishment in town, and a gentleman came in. It was the middle of December, and we were having a cold snap.” Moore recounted. “This gentleman had no gloves and a thin jacket. I remember looking at his hands, and they were so red.”

“I then noticed that he was standing in the foyer trying to warm up,” she added. ” When I was leaving work, I saw him sitting on a bench, and I couldn’t get him out of my head.”

Later that night, while having a conversation with her daughter about the stranger, they decided they had to do something to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

“Sienna and I decided not to buy Christmas presents for each other and opted to use the money to fill a couple of backpacks,” she noted. “We filled five packs, and we found this man, gave him one, and he was absolutely thrilled and grateful.”

Since then, the mother-daughter duo, along with many friends, have collected supplies for dozens of gift packs, including a whopping 80 last year.

“We really want people to understand that everyone has a story. Being homeless can happen to anyone, and not to judge,” Moore said. ” Keep an open heart and mind. A small act of kindness can go a long way. We don’t care who you are,  your race or religion…. No one deserves to be cold or hungry at any given time.”

Items collected for the gift bags include shampoo, conditioner, combs, brushes, face wash,  Q-tips,  band-aids,  water bottles, granola bars, winter outerwear such as toques, gloves, scarves, mittens, socks, tooth brushes, tooth paste, deodorant,  hand cream, nail clippers, and other personal hygiene items.

“We will also accept cash donations of any denomination as well, then we do the shopping for the supplies to make sure everyone’s pack is the same,” she added.

Those that want to contribute can do so by reaching out to Colleen on social media, drop by her location at 2426 Coutlee Ave. or visit her at the Home Restaurant. E-transfers can also be sent to colleenmoore25@gmail.com.