After eight years of donating personal care supplies to Share, Vancouver-based Nutrition Now Inc. has seen a marked increase in the need for such donations, said President Kate Jones.
The first year the dietary supplement company started giving to the nonprofit, Nutrition Now gave out 150 boxes.
This season, it gave 450 boxes, filled with hygienic items, clothing, vitamins and more. The company provides the funding for the gifts, and employees shop and wrap them, Jones said.
Share provides shelter, food and emergency services through four shelters to assist people in getting into permanent housing and alleviating factors that lead to homelessness, according to its website.
And for the second year, Nutrition Now gave toys for 25 families to the Vancouver Volunteer Fire Brigade to help them sponsor families.
“There is still time for businesses to help,” Jones said.
Holiday donations to Share from businesses are down nearly a quarter this season, said Susan Oberst, director of volunteers who handles the holiday program.
Even companies that have been consistent donors have said they just can’t do it this year, she said
“If they’re cutting back, that means the community as a whole is hurting,” Jones said.
— Megan Patrick-Vaughn
