Uplifting Blessings is accepting urgently-needed donations this October in exchange for a bag of candy.
Curbside candy pickup
For the third year in a row, Uplifting Blessings is accepting donations from Oct. 1 to Halloween day at Northern Roots Hair Studio in exchange for a bag of candy.
With the help of local businesses and individuals who generously donated candy, founder Carolyn-Marie Goodwin and her team of volunteers use the sweets to drive donations of much-needed supplies for people experiencing homelessness.
“That's what we do during the month of October to raise awareness for homelessness and give back,” Goodwin said. “It helps us with some of the items that we are in urgent need of.”
They are accepting urgently-needed hygiene items and winter clothing for the upcoming colder months.
You can drop off any of the following items:
- baby wipes,
- winter hats (non-knitted),
- waterproof gloves,
- mini body wash,
- mini first aid kits,
- hand and body warmers,
- children and adult hair brushes,
- children’s soap,
- knitted scarves
- and Tim Hortons gift cards.
She said the need for donations had increased significantly, they had almost used up their backup supply, and they need your help.
About Uplifting Blessings
Goodwin started Uplifting Blessings in 2017 to address a need for everyday essentials that many of us take for granted. Since then, it's blossomed into what it is now — different branches that address various aspects of homelessness.
“Uplifting Blessings is a not-for-profit, and no one gets paid. It's all volunteer based. We've had such amazing community involvement. It's absolutely heartwarming how the community has come together to assist its vulnerable population. We count on that community to come out and assist us so we can continue doing what we're doing.”
Throughout the year, they supply people in need, through the help of their community partners, clothing bags, hygiene bags, a suitcase of love, a comfort pack and school bags — all designed and built with the individual needs of the user at the centre.
“So we’re here to fill the essentials, the immediate needs of the person and to help the organizations within our community provide those services to individuals under their care.”
“It's a whole community experience. It's community involvement and brings people together from all different walks of life to come together for the main goal of helping and assisting one another through our most vulnerable times.”
Curbside candy pickup and donation drop-off are at the Northern Roots Hair Studio, 249 west street north, Orillia, during business hours.
If you have questions or want to donate an item not on this list, please contact Goodwin by email at [email protected] or by phone at 705-985-1957.
