The frigid winter storm that rocked Chatham-Kent over Christmas couldn't stop a group of volunteers from making the holidays special for local seniors.
FreeHelpCK Head Volunteer Geri Ann Hughson says their annual adopt a senior program was a "huge" success over the holiday season.
Volunteers prepared 425 gift bags to go along with nearly 130 meals that were delivered across the community, thanks to the help of eight drivers.
"Things got a little crazy after Chatham-Kent was hit with the blizzard," said Hughson. “Every meal and gift was delivered, even if they had to walk up to the door because they couldn’t get into the driveway. It was a Christmas miracle to us.”
Hughson said the organization also had “huge Christmas helpers" to make sure the program happened.
"Enbridge gave us a donation of $3,500 and Prefered Trucking also gave us $2,700 towards our adopt a senior program," said Hughson. "Donations towards our initiative also came in from Chatham-Kent citizens."
Since becoming a registered charity last year, Hughson said there are several different outreach programs for those in need of assistance.
FreeHelpCK delivers meals twice a week to seniors in the community throughout the year.
"The cost of living is increasing on a daily basis and many people are struggling to make things work," said Hughson. "Their pensions are not cutting it anymore."
Over 268,800 meals and more than 500 boxes of food have been delivered to local residents since the charity's inception in 2018.
