This year shoppers here can decorate for Christmas while helping make the season a little brighter for those in need thanks to Project Elf.
Harriston resident Sharon Burt has joined forces with Leslie Motors and the Harriston Legion with a fundraising idea to assist the local Christmas food and toy drives.
For several years, Burt, who works as a crossing guard, has made crocheted Christmas decorations to pass out to the children who pass through her corner during the holiday season. This year, she will be making them available to everyone, through various businesses around town, in return for a donation to the annual Christmas Toy Drive hosted by Leslie Motors of Harriston. Burt, who dubbed the venture Project Elf, says she has about 200 ornaments made and is working on more.
Leslie Motors works in conjunction with the local food bank to collect toys and food for distribution prior to Christmas. Distribution is coordinated through the Harriston Legion Branch 296.
The ornaments are available by donation at Harriston Home Hardware, Harriston Convenience, the Legion and Leslie Motors.
“There’s no set amount. People can give what they want,” notes Lisa Leslie, adding that all money raised through Project Elf will be used to supplement the donations of toys and food collected this year.
The toy and food drives are now officially underway and donors are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys to Leslie Motors prior to Dec. 17. Food donations may also be dropped off at the dealership.
