ELMSDALE: Christmas will be a little more joyous for children in need in the Milford, Shubenacadie, and Stewiacke areas, thanks to the generosity of patients and non-patients of the Elmsdale Chiropractic Clinic.
The clinic held its annual toy drive, and this year the toys are being donated to the Shumilacke Food Bank. The chose the Shumilacke Food Bank off the reccomendation of several patients.
“Every year we do this with the idea being to provide some joy to people who don’t have that much,” said Dr. Lerner. “We’re a community chiropractic centre, we want to support our community.”
He explained why they chose Shumilacke Food Bank to be the recipients of the toys this year.
“We traditionally always supplied Caring & Sharing,” he said. “However, a few of our patients who (volunteer) for Shumilacke Food Bank had discussed with us the need up there and they often get overlooked.
“We didn’t want that to be the case this year.”
By the time collection day had arrived on Dec. 9, the nicely lit Christmas tree that greeted those in the waiting room was surrounded by boxes of toys. Dr. Lerner estimates there are more than 100 toys donated.
Dr. Lerner praised their patients—and those who are not patients at their clinic—for opening up their hearts and giving.
“We have the most generous patients and customers, and quite frankly there were quite a few people who don’t come to us, but heard about our toy drive and came to us to make a donation,” he said. “Honestly, our community is so giving, and you can see it right here (pointing to the gifts under the tree).”
He said they’re hoping to bring some joy to a children’s Christmas who otherwise may not have such a good one given their situation.
Dr. Lerner said it gives the employees at the clinic a sense of being Santa Claus to those on the receiving end.
“This time of the year is extremely important for me, and I have a family at home,” he said. “I just want to make sure the other families out there have everything and can enjoy it just as much as us. Instead of it being a stressful time, I want it to be a joyous time.”