Shoebox Gifts Make Holidays Bright For Those In Need
November 19, 2025
Donated gifts are often the only present that Squamish Helping Hands participants receive during the holidays
As the lights begin to sparkle and holiday spirits rise, many people in Squamish don’t get much of a chance to celebrate. Without a bed to sleep in, the idea of a gift under the tree is impossible to imagine. Being homeless is always difficult but during the darkest days of the year, it can be especially heartbreaking.
In October 2025, Squamish Helping Hands had to turn away 24 people from shelter beds due to lack of space. Visits to the Squamish Food Bank have increased by nearly eight percent since 2024. The waitlist for transitional housing units at Under One Roof continues to grow as the cost of living in the community rises.
At this time of year, donations matter more than ever. The team at Squamish Helping Hands is hopeful for a special contribution from our community during the holidays.
Throughout November up to December 15, 2025, Squamish Helping Hands is accepting donations of shoebox gifts: small, gift-wrapped boxes full of little items that make a big difference to unhoused people.
Community members can work alone or with teams to gather and assemble meaningful objects like:
- Treats (chocolate, candy, chips, hot chocolate packets)
- Gift cards
- Socks, gloves or handwarmers
- Handmade notes, cards, or drawings from kids
- Flashlights, headlamps, and water bottles
These gifts will be given out on Christmas morning to participants to make sure no one goes without a special moment during the giving season.
Why Take Part? Shoebox gifts are often the only present our participants receive during the holidays. Gaining self-worth is an essential part of achieving stability for many people are they transition away from homelessness.
Wrapped shoebox gifts can be delivered to Under One Roof at 37871 3rd Ave, Squamish BC. For more ways to give, visit squamishhelpinghands.ca/ways-to-give. Every box will be given to an adult experiencing homelessness and poverty in Squamish.
Squamish Helping Hands is focused on creating equity in the Sea to Sky region to ensure our home is safe and healthy for all. It offers food, shelter, and supportive programs to enhance well-being and community connection among all people.
Every donation is meaningful and shoebox gifts are one special way to foster hope.
Donation drive aims to provide warmth and dignity as emergency shelter reaches capacity.
Data taken from the latest provincewide homeless counts indicates that homelessness continues to affect people throughou
Squamish Helping Hands and Squamish Food Bank merged in early 2025 to strengthen the future of community food security.
