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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, December 6, 2013 | 6 'Tis the season of giving This Christmas, the Oakville Beaver is issuing a challenge to the community: Sometime amid the shopping, pageants, parties, stress and the crowds, commit to helping at least one person. Certainly, this commitment can be an act of largesse, but what we are really hoping to see is something smaller, more personal. Consider how different life for those in need would be if each of us accepted this challenge -- if for no other reason -- just because we can. The small deeds of many will go a lot further than the efforts made by a few. For those who wish to take us up on our challenge, here are a few suggestions on how to make someone's life a little brighter: · Donating to a food bank is one of the best ways to ensure no local families go hungry this holiday season. Bins for Fareshare food bank are positioned at the front of local grocery stores and Kerr Street Ministries (KSM) and the Salvation Army are always welcoming of donations · Support the Salvation Army kettle campaign, which supports its food bank, as well as the Salvation Army's toy shop and Christmas hamper program, and year-round programming · Help the United Way of Oakville (UWO) meet its fundraising goal of $4.35 million, which is directed to dozens of member agencies to deliver programs and services that make a real difference all year round · Donate a toy during the drive being conducted by the Oakville firefighters, who are accepting donations at all local fire halls · Help a senior. Sometimes the gift of time or a gesture of goodwill can help brighten the holidays for someone who isn't able to get out as much as they once did · Volunteer your time -- one evening, a few hours, whatever you can spare. There are many volunteer agencies in Oakville that would love an extra pair of hands As well as the above, there are plenty of other ways to fulfill a commitment to give back to your community this Christmas --­ remember, it doesn't have to be big, and it can be as simple as a random act of kindness. If you decide to make such a commitment, we'd love to hear from you. Tell us about how you're giving back and suggest how others might do the same. We'll do our best to share your stories and suggestions throughout the holiday season, in upcoming issues of the Beaver, online at www. oakvillebeaver.com and through social media. Because, truly, Christmas is about giving. Editorial "Connected to your Community" Letter to the Editor 447 Speers Road, Oakville ON, L6K 3S4 General Inquiries: (905) 845-3824 Editorial Department: (905) 632-0588 Classi ed Advertising: (905) 632-4440 Circulation: 5300 Harvester Rd., Burlington (905) 631-6095 Volume 51 | Number 146 The Oakville Beaver is a division of Editorial and advertising content of the Oakville Beaver is protected by copyright. Unauthorized use is prohibited. Vice ­President and Group Publisher of Metroland West Regional General Manager NEIL OLIVER DAVID HARVEY JILL DAVIS The late MaryAnn Gallagher of Etobicoke and her family used to decorate the Christmas trees at Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children, where Gallagher volunteered. Now her family is carrying on the tradition. Gallagher's children in the photo below include: Helen and Al Kall, Tish and Paul Sheppard with son Matthew, Diane Gallagher, MaryLynn Gallagher, Meagan Gallagher, Jimmy and Tina Gallagher with son Daniel, Karen Stephens and friends of the family. Halton Region Editor in Chief Advertising Director DANIEL BAIRD Managing Editor Aunt MaryAnn began a family Christmas tradition | submitted photos ANGELA BLACKBURN RIZIERO VERTOLLI Photography Director Business Manager Director of Production My aunt, MaryAnn Gallagher, Since her passing, the trawho died of cancer in March dition will always remain alive at age 81, was in charge of with her children, their spousthe volunteering program at es, kids, cousins and friends Toronto's Hospital for Sick joining in to help decorate all Children (SickKids). the Christmas trees at the hospital. She ran the store there and every year at Christmas, she It was a wonderful day on and her family decorated all Saturday, Nov. 30 and I felt the Christmas trees for each honoured to be part of such unit in the hospital. an incredible event. My aunt volunteered for 16 I volunteer at Wellspring Biryears and won the Ontario mingham Gilgan House here in Service Award from the provinOakville, and I wish many more cial government last year for individuals would make MaryAnn Gallagher, Christmas 2012 her work at SickKids. time in their lives to give of themselves to people who have been stricken She was the rst person there to ever be nominated for the award and was also present- by cancer. There are many wonderful places and ed with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee pin at that events out there in which to take part. ceremony. Karen Stephens, Oakville SANDY PARE MARK DILLS MANUEL GARCIA Production Manager Director of Distribution CHARLENE HALL KIM MOSSMAN Circulation Manager Proud official media sponsor for: Canadian Circulations Audit Board Member Recognized for Excellence by Ontario Community Newspapers Association Canadian Community Newspapers Association Proud official media sponsor for: The Oakville Beaver welcomes letters from its readers. Letters will be edited for clarity, length, legal considerations and grammar. In order to be published all letters must contain the name, address and phone number of the author. Letters should be addressed to: The Editor, Oakville Beaver, 467 Speers Rd., Oakville ON, L6K 3S4, or via e-mail to; ablackburn@oakvillebeaver.com. The Beaver reserves the right to refuse to publish a letter. The Oakville Beaver is a member of the Ontario Press Council. The council is located at 80 Gould St., Suite 206, Toronto, Ont., M5B 2M7. Phone 416-340-1981. Advertising is accepted on the condition that, in the event of a typographical error, that portion of advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with a reasonable allowance for signature, will not be charged for, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. The publisher reserves the right to categorize advertisements or decline.