Merritt mother and daughter making Christmas brighter for homeless

A chance encounter one cold December evening became a call to action for one Merritt mother and her daughter to lift the spirits of those less fortunate in our area during the Christmas season.

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

“It started out when I was working at a local establishment in town and a gentleman came in. It was middle of December and we were having a cold snap.” Moore recounted. “This gentleman had no gloves and a thin jacket. I just remembering 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 seen 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, it was decided that they had to do something to help 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 back packs,” 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 ways. 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 until December 18 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.

“We can’t thank our friends and family every year that step up,” Moore smiled. ” These people are someone’s mom, dad,  brother, sister, child… hopefully we can one day end this situation through kindness, peace and love. ”