Operation Christmas Stocking

By Diana Walker

For years, members of the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation have assembled Christmas gift bags for long-term residents, known as Operation Christmas Stocking. This year, bags were added for the active side, anticipating patients over Christmas.

Members of the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation fill Christmas bags. From left, Jenifer Heeg, Kevin McBain, Lee Van Otterloo, Kathy Carroll, Delaine Scarff, Allison Stammers, Tanya Jaques, Kaffie Robson, and Marvin Molzan. Missing from photo: Tami Cox, Joe Lazzari, and Elaine Michaels. Photo by Diana Walker

The bags contained personal care items, including a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, body wash, body lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, and Kleenex. A few chocolates and a decorated cookie completed the package.

For the active side of the hospital, they assembled four bags with many of the same items, including a decorated cookie. The kids were not forgotten. A stuffy, crayons, colouring book, and some sweets filled three bags.

The board members did the work, but without the many donations from businesses and a local community club, Operation Christmas Stocking would not have been possible.