From The Publisher: Local Oxford Learning Centres Are On A (Downtown) Mission For The Needy

Timing Is Everything By Deborah Jones

Just before the holiday season gets underway, many companies and organizations collect donations of all kinds of items for charity, Biz X included! However, we must remember those in need require food, clothing, toiletries, a bed etc. — basic necessities we all take for granted — every day of the year.

Since we all learn by example, with the holidays long behind us, one local business is doing what it can now to help the less fortunate. As of mid-January, Karen Kamen, Centre Director/Owner of the local Oxford Learning (customized tutoring services for children) locations, has undertaken afood and clothing drive for The Downtown Mission Of Windsor (664 Victoria Avenue, Windsor; DowntownMission.com).

“We decided to help the mission so we can give back to our community and provide help to those that are less fortunate,” explains Kamen. “The winter is especially challenging to those without a home, food or clothing. We plan to have an ongoing relationship with the mission and help out in whatever way we can.” On the list of non-food items needed are: socks and underwear (adult and youth sizes); toiletries (deodorant, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, women’s sanitary supplies, soap) and $5 gift cards (Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, etc.) The Food Bank is asking for: peanut butter; canned meats (tuna, ham, salmon etc.); cereals (box and oatmeal); canned fruits and vegetables; fruit cups, granola bars; juice boxes and school snacks; coffee and tea plus sugar, flour, spices and condiments. The kitchen needs: bread, lunch meat, coffee, water, juice and breakfast items (cereal, waffles, syrup, peanut butter, jam), yogurt, and other snacks.

The “Enterprise Program” requires: toiletries; clothing for everyday and work (business, casual); coats, gloves, hats; work shoes (safety shoes, boots and dress shoes) and backpacks. The Sanctuary/Dining Room is looking for items such as: deodorant; new socks; underwear; clothing; men’s shoes (most popular sizes are 8-12); women’s shoes (most popular sizes are 8-10); shampoo and conditioner; toothpaste; sunscreen and backpacks/large purses. The Windsor Youth Centre would like donations of $5 gift cards (Tim Hortons, McDonald’s, etc.) as well as: granola bars, cereal bars, fruit cups, pudding cups, crackers, cereal; new underwear and socks; toiletries and backpacks. And finally, the Health/Nursing department needs: Polysporin (cream or ointment); Chapstick; Vaseline (petroleum jelly); hand sanitizer/sunscreen/lotion; cough drops and Kleenex (personal/purse size).

Donations can be dropped off until March 31, 2020 at Oxford Learning’s two locations: 13300 Tecumseh Road East, Tecumseh and 5844 Malden Road, LaSalle.

Kamen hopes this drive not only helps others, “but we are also allowing our students to see how difficult it is for many people to survive. We are hoping that all involved will feel a sense of pride in being able to help others that are less fortunate.”

Thank you for helping those in our community, Karen. I hope your example inspires others to give back as well.