A Kamloops teen has raised dozens of bags of winter clothing for those less fortunate in our community.
On Dec. 11, Cassie McNutt started a donation drive outside her Dallas home. She wanted to give back in some way, so her dad Don suggested putting out a donation bin for people who were already stopping by to check out the family's Christmas light display.
Just three days later, the McNutts found themselves with 15 garbage bags full of warm attire.
As of today (Dec. 21), that number is between 50 and 60.
"It's crazy," Don tells KamloopsMatters. "(Cassie) is excited. She's overwhelmed."
Donations include everything from new jackets, gloves and toques to a $50 pair of underwear.
Don says the Petro Canada in Dallas stepped up as well and put out a bin.
"(Cassie) was in there collecting stuff and the lady there was crying and hugging her."
The local family has also received Christmas cards in the mail, thanking them for their efforts.
The donation drive (5215 Dallas Dr.) runs until Monday, Dec. 23. The following day, Christmas Eve, the McNutts and a handful of other family and friends will personally deliver the items to the city's homeless. Don will sport his Santa suit to make the delivery that much more special.
"We have a fairly good group of us... even my 90-year-old mother," he says.
Not only will recipients get warm winter clothing, but a hot meal. Don and company will be cooking chili all day Monday, to be delivered with the gifts. Oh, and there's hot chocolate too.
Don says they plan on doing the donation drive again next year.
"(The community) has made our Christmas. We're so grateful for the support that we've been able to get," he says. "At this time of year, there are so many charities looking for things... to get this much response on top of that is incredible."
