Local ASD-N students, teachers and administrators along with service clubs, businesses and other community groups come together every Christmas to provide many senior citizens in the greater Bathurst area with the "Spirit of Christmas". This community-wide campaign brings food, presents, Christmas treats and a lot of personal warmth and caring, making a huge difference to many, both those who receive and those who give time, energy, goods and financial support. This year each delivery included 3 large cloth grocery bags brimming with fresh milk and bread, canned and dried goods, freshly baked cookies, home knitted slippers, grocery gift card and a student created Christmas greeting card. In some situations a bit of financial assistance was also offered to the very needy. The collecting and organizing of all the items involved hundreds of people and approximately fifty volunteers, school children and adults, cheerfully packed bags and loaded vans for three hours on Tuesday December 18th. Deliveries were made the following morning. For a number of seniors the personal visits by caring volunteers means a great deal and is a high point of their Christmas. For a number of volunteers it was a lesson in awareness of the needs of others and an opportunity to help. The project is so thorough and thoughtful even some of the pets of seniors receive specially prepared treats. To see photos from December 18th visit Spirit of Christmas .