Just after lunch, at the center of quad junstan heigan, families in the village of Sira and the Ahdel people are waiting outside for the front door to open.
As they did, the group rushed to a table behind the hall, grabbing slightly overcooked fruits and vegetables delivered as part of the donated food sharing program.
Downstairs, workers and volunteers transformed the basement into a temporary toy shop with hundreds of families scheduled to visit.
"This time of year is very busy.
Overall, we are just busy, "said Pat Humble, director of Community Ministries.
Not only did the agency collect donations through various seasonal fund-raising activities, including The Times colonial Christmas fund, but it also registered thousands of families preparing food baskets and gifts for children.
"We saw a lot of singles last year.
But more families this year.
"You might call it a poor worker," Humble said . ".
Shelves for handmade books and tables
Knitting sweaters and hats are placed in the lobby of the toy store.
The storage room looks a bit bare, while the showroom is stacked with new toys for every age group from toddler to teenage
Lego, shops, handmade toys and endless plush toys.
"The huge teddy bear is very popular this year," said the toy store . "
Coordinator, Herma Hall
Each family can choose toys for each child, as well as books and things.
By the beginning of December, they had seen about 150 families with nearly 30 children.
"We have seen a lot of Syrian families this year," Hall said . ".
"They must be excited to experience Christmas for the first time, even if they don't fully understand the concept of Santa Claus or socks.
We helped them through the difficulties.
Eahn Kang said she heard about the toy store through a volunteer friend.
She has two jobs and her husband works full time, but it's still hard for them to break even.
"We work, but we check every month. to-
"Check," she said.
High rent, car payments and groceries are the main charges.
The couple's day care serviceyear-
Older daughter over $1,000 a month
Average.
"You also have to pack fresh and delicious food," Kang said . ".
There seems to be no progress for young families, although at least $18 per hour is paid for work.
They don't use food banks or make big money after Christmas.
"But it means a lot to my children.
For a whole month, this is what they said [at daycare]
Kang said she is grateful that she can go to the toy store and buy some beautiful gifts for her daughter without increasing financial pressure. Erwin C.
Don't want to use his full name and look around for gifts for his 13-year-old son and his 8-year-old daughter.
Erwin, a chef, said: "There are gifts to surprise them at Christmas, thank you very much . ".
Christmas is a big deal for families who immigrate from the Philippines.
Owen said it was in nine.
A few years ago he prayed "to work in Canada and take my family ".
"He is looking forward to expressing his gratitude and celebration during this festival.
Spetrescu @ time colonizer.
Com How to donate time colonists Christmas fund through Salvation Army and mustard seed Street church to help people in need of big Victoria.
It also provides financial assistance to our local society.
• Time to colonize. com/donate.
The site is open 24 hours a day with an instant tax receipt.
Mail a cheque payable to the Times colonial Christmas fund association to the Times colonial Christmas fund at 2621 Douglas Street
Victoria V8T 4M2.
By calling 250-use your credit card995-
Between 9 a 4438. m. and 1 p. m.
Monday to Friday.
Messages will be accepted outside of these times.