Donations are being collected for families in need in the community to give out at Christmas Haven.
Organizers are looking for new and gently used items for both adults and children including: new winter gloves, toques, socks, and small toys – and gently used Christmas books for children.
They are also collecting $5 Tim Horton's gift cards.
Christmas Haven is a community dinner held on Christmas Eve every year for anyone who does not want to be alone on that night.
This is the 27th year for the event in the community.
It is a non-denominational festive celebration with live entertainment, children's activities, a traditional Christmas dinner of turkey and all the fixings, and a visit from Santa Claus.
Last year around 325 attended the event, about 60 more than in 2022.
The event was started in 1998 to bring a sense of belonging and camaraderie to those who may not have anyone to spend the holidays with including families, seniors, and individuals. It is free to attend, wheelchair accessible, non-denominational, and no reservations are required.
It takes place at The ACT Arts Centre at 11944 Haney Place, downtown Maple Ridge.
The donated items will be wrapped and given as a gift from Santa Claus to each guest at the dinner.
Anyone wishing to donate can drop off items at either Foundry Ridge Meadows or Tuscany Salon.
Foundry Ridge Meadows is open Mondays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and from 9:30 a.m. until 7 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday, and is located at unit 2, 22932 Lougheed Highway, Maple Ridge.
Tuscany Salon is open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, and from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
The salon is located at 19164 McMyn Rd., in Pitt Meadows.
For more information about Christmas Haven go to: https://www.christmashaven.ca/.