A new Cochranite is doing her part to make sure everyone has enough this holiday.
Jessica Burns created a Christmas care package complete with turkey, veggies and napkins, and gave it to a family who otherwise might not be able to cook a festive dinner.
“I just felt like being nice and giving back to people,” Burns said, who found a family to donate to after creating a post on the town’s Rant and Rave Facebook page.
Burns, a Willows resident, said she was inspired by a friend of hers living in Red Deer, Alta., who did something similar last year.
On top of that, as a new Cochranite as of June 2017, Burns said she felt compelled to give back to the community that welcomed her so warmly.
“I just felt that I should do something good for our community,” she said.
“I like the community, I find that people are friendly and no matter where you go people are smiling. I haven’t run into any rude people here.”
Within the care package were groceries for a turkey dinner including the turkey, veggies, dessert as well as other essentials often looked over such as paper towels and toilet paper.
“Because of the job loss, there’s probably a lot of people struggling. Anything that I can do to help, even if it’s just a little bit makes me feel good,” said Burns who is originally from Fort Saskatchewan.
Growing up, Burns said she always had essentials during the holidays and creating a care package is her way to help another family get a similar Christmas to what she’s had.
“It’s a stressful time so people who are struggling financially – (it’s) just to release the stress or pressure off them,” Burns said.
“I hope that somebody else is able would pay it forward. Because there’s a lot of people that need help. I can’t afford to help everybody but it would be nice if somebody else would consider doing the same thing and pass it forward.”
