Gideon’s auxiliary donates

It’s the time of year when everyone feels a little bit more generous—and a little more concerned about others.
And thanks to the Gideon Bible Society Auxiliary, women staying at the Atikokan Crisis Centre will have a little something extra come Christmas.

Last week, Thea Kaemingh of Devlin and Marina Gerber of Emo met with crisis centre employees to deliver a dozen hand-made gift baskets full of items, such as hygiene products and candy, for women at the shelter.
Despite the dreary weather, smiles were the order of the day as crisis centre employee Sue Hanson happily accepted the baskets at the United Native Friendship Centre here.
“We thought we’d just give a nice gift basket,” Kaemingh said of the donation.
The ladies, who have been with the auxiliary for decades, noted members purchased the goods for the baskets themselves.
“This is what we do and we enjoy it,” enthused Kaemingh. “It’s a joy for us to do this.”
The baskets have been donated to the crisis centre for about five years, the pair noted, adding they always tuck a small copy of the Bible in with the other items.
Donna Kroocmo, executive director of the Atikokan Crisis Centre, couldn’t be more thankful for the auxiliary’s generous donations, which they usually give twice a year before Christmas and Easter.
“I think they’re gorgeous,” Kroocmo said of the baskets.
For women who might show up at the shelter with few personal belongings, the gift baskets are a treat and a comfort. “It makes the women feel so special,” Kroocmo said.
The crisis centre stores the gift baskets until Christmas or gives them to women on their birthdays. Kroocmo said the donation is very much appreciated by both the centre and the women who eventually receive the packages.
“We just wait for a special occasion,” she remarked.
Crisis centre staff also provide journals for the women because of their therapeutic value.