West Kootenay Bags of Love Foundation continues to give
By Contributor
The West Kootenay chapter of Bags of Love was started in June 2012. In 2018 the name was changed to West Kootenay Bags of Love Foundation and on January 27, 2020 we received charity status, enabling us to give receipts for donations over $100 in value and to apply for grants to assist us in purchasing supplies.
When Bags of Love initially started, we were primarily making bags for children. As we evolved, we realized there are so many other folks who could benefit from a bag, in particular, seniors. We have done two projects involving seniors. Because seniors are so close to my heart, these were incredibly enjoyable projects and we were able to reach a large number of seniors in our area and continue to do so.
Personal care bags have become our most popular bags during the pandemic. These bags include the basic personal care items, like shampoo, toothpaste, and toothbrushes etc that people us on a daily basis. People are really struggling because of lost employment, loss of businesses and family hardship. As the pandemic continues to affect our region, we are making more personal care bags for folks ages newborn to 100.
Our larger bags include a handmade quilt, age appropriate toys, books, crafts, personal care items, socks, gloves, toques, a treat, and other items as we have them available. These bags are either made for an age group or can be customized for a specific age.
Since 2012, we have given out over a twelve hundred bags in the West Kootenay Region. We are so fortunate to be able to help where we can. In 2022, 150 bags went out! As we move into 2023, our main goal is to increase awareness of our foundation and the work we do.
We want to be able to reach more people and help to make their lives a little easier. We are so fortunate to live in the West Kootenay, where people are so generous and provide ongoing donations to us. What an incredible sense of community we have!
I (Sharon Jackson) will gladly pick up any donations or they can be dropped off in Trail. Please contact me, Sharon, by private message on Facebook, @ 250-231-0951 (text is the best way to reach me) or wkbagsoflove@outlook.com if you have any questions, wish to donate or refer someone to us. Let’s work together and make people aware there is a resource that can assist them.
Confidentiality is always assured.
