A Coquitlam woman has found a meaningful way to give back this holiday season.
Jessa Turner, who has run Operation Bags of Hope for seven years, is now raising funds to purchase turkey dinners for vulnerable Tri-City families.
"Christmas is about kindness," said Turner, a mental health worker, who has a Facebook group.
The fundraising effort started during Thanksgiving when Turner came up with the idea of purchasing White Spot dinners for vulnerable Tri-City families.
As many as 37 meals were purchased for lone parent household families, seniors and low income families, thanks to community support.
Now the plan is to expand the program to raise funds for turkey dinners for 50 families.
Through a connection with a School District 43 (SD43) youth worker, dozens of families have been identified as having extraordinary need this holiday season.
So far funds have been raised to purchase turkey meals for about 23 of the identified families. But more is needed to ensure nobody misses out.
“A gift at Christmas is a reminder that you are loved and that with hope anything is possible,” said Turner, who's hoping members of the community can pitch in to make up the gap.
Sponsoring a meal costs $20 for a family of two, $40 for a family of three to four and $60 for a family of five or six.
Recipients pick up their meal on Dec. 21 or Dec. 22 or as coordinated by school youth workers.
You can send payment to [email protected] by Dec. 4, or you can pay by debit or credit card by visiting White Spot #141 (take out side) at 500-3025 Lougheed Hwy., (Sunwood Square).
Tell them it's for Jessa Turner and send a message to her via email to confirm payment.
