COVID Procedures

This Christmas, we are committing to sponsoring 850 low-income families in the GTA and Hamilton with a customized poverty relief  package. More than ever, we are calling on you for support to help make this holiday season magical for the children and their parents.

 

The health and safety of our staff and volunteers is of the upmost importance to Holiday Helpers. For this reason, it is mandatory that all staff and volunteers entering "Santa's Warehouse" must show proof of vaccination, through the QR code or vaccine receipt and a government issued piece of ID.

ADDITIONAL COVID PROCEDURES

Donors Sponsoring Families:

  • The wait list to sponsor a family is now available on our website. Donors are encouraged to register for a family as early as possible.
  • Family wish lists will be sent to donors throughout October, in priority sequence.

Shopping for your family:

  • We encourage donors to start shopping for their family as soon as possible and avoid any last-minute shopping
  • Due to possible shipping delays, we do NOT recommend any online shopping.
  • Focus on the necessities and mandatory items (winter coat/snow suits, hats & mitts, 2 Santa toys, 2 household items, a grocery gift card).
  • If you have additional budget, consider donating directly to Holiday Helpers or purchase additional Walmart gift cards in $25 denominations that will be distributed among the families
  • Some may still want to sponsor a family but choose not to shop for them, you can donate directly to Holiday Helpers and one of our volunteer elves will take care of the shopping for you.

Dropping off your package at Santa’s Warehouse:

  • Holiday Helpers will require additional time to process packages, so please prepare for possible delays and line-ups at the drop-off location.
  • Drop-off dates will be staggered between December 1 to 10.
  • To limit the number of people dropping off, you will be asked to sign-up for a drop-off time slot
  • When you drop off your package, we will ask that you wear a mask and follow the social distancing guidelines. In the case, where another donor is ahead of you and dropping off their donation, you may be asked to wait in your car until we can take you and ensure proper social distancing.
  • This process take place outdoors and proof of vaccination is not required.
Two sisters are smiling on Christmas morning
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Corporate Group and Individual Volunteer Shifts:

  • ALL volunteers entering the Holiday Helpers "Santa's Warehouse" MUST show proof of double vaccination through a QR code or vaccination receipt and government issued ID. No exceptions.
  • Volunteers will be required to sign-in to their shift and provide contact information for contact tracing.
  • ALL volunteers in "Santa's Warehouse" must wear a mask. No exceptions.
  • The start and finish times of volunteer shifts will be staggered throughout the day
  • Our volunteer shifts will function at 50% capacity
  • Volunteers will be asked to wait outside while each volunteer is checked in and escorted to their volunteer zone.
  • All volunteers will work a at pre-sanitized station and will be asked to sanitize their station at the end of the shift.
  • Volunteer training will take place at the table or zone and a Holiday Helpers elf will instruct the group on their task for the shift.
  • Due to capacity restrictions, not all family packages will be wrapped. Families will be given the option to have their packages wrapped or not.
  • Volunteers should be prepared to do a variety of tasks, including shopping for a family list at the near by Walmart (optional), sorting and re-boxing donations for deliveries, some wrapping, and delivering packages to families.

Gift Drive Donors:

  • Holiday Helpers will be accepting gift drives for necessary items, including baby items, teenager gifts, household items. To see a list of our needed items, click here.
  • Holiday Helpers will require additional time to process packages, so please plan for earlier than normal drop-off dates. Drop-off dates will begin as early as December 1.
  • Drop-off dates will be staggered between December 1 and 10.
  • To limit the number of people dropping off, you will be asked to sign-up for a drop-off time slot

Family Delivery Drivers:

  • 12 to 15 hours before each shift, individuals will be asked to complete a COVID symptom online survey and sign a digital waiver. Volunteers will not be allowed to enter the warehouse without showing proof of vaccination.
  • When Volunteer Drivers arrive at the warehouse, they will be given an number and asked to wait in their car for their turn. A Holiday Helpers volunteer will assist drivers in order and provide further instructions.
  • Drivers must wear a mask when they are in the warehouse and upon delivery of the package to the family.
  • Under no circumstances will drivers enter the homes or apartment buildings of families.
  • Upon arrival at the delivery destination, the volunteer driver will call the family to notify them of their arrival and ask the caregiver to meet them outside the house/building.
  • The caregiver is responsible for carrying all items into their household.
  • This process take place outdoors and proof of vaccination is not required.

Our Staff & Team Leaders:

Our on-site staff and Team Leaders will be required to show proof of vaccination and required to wear a mask through the entire shift.

Should any of our staff or Team Leaders be exposed to COVID 19 or contract COVID 19, we will contact any volunteers that they may have been exposed to, to alert them to monitor their symptoms and consider getting tested.

Questions, please email us at info@holidayhelpers.org.