For volunteer Pamela Nand, the role of a Christmas elf came with a surprising case of first-day nerves. Assigned to guide parents through the Salvation Army's festive toy shop in Vancouver, she initially felt unsure of her duties. From November until mid-December 2025, Nand's mission was to help families choose gifts for their children, a task she quickly mastered despite her early apprehension.
The Heart of the Holiday Operation
Nand served as a personal shopper and shelf-stocker at the shop, set up in an east Vancouver church. She estimates that 45 to 50 families visited the toy shop each day, with a total of about 800 families assisted this holiday season. Her goal was simple yet profound: to help parents find items that would make their child's face light up on Christmas morning.
"When they get stuff and they're so happy, I like to see that," Nand said. "A lot of people appreciate it and say it means a lot to them." She noted that many parents expressed that without the toy shop, they would not be able to afford presents for their kids.
Navigating Wish Lists and Teen Requests
Certain toys were in high demand. Bluey and Paw Patrol merchandise were consistently popular, alongside Frozen Elsa dolls. Lego sets, she reported, flew off the shelves. A common question from parents was about the availability of bicycles; while full-sized bikes weren't in stock, the shop sometimes had tricycles for younger children.
Shopping for teenagers proved to be the most challenging, according to Nand. Teen-friendly items like headphones, sports gear, makeup, and gift cards were quick to run out. The toy shop also catered to parents themselves, offering a "family shelf" with clothing, housewares, toiletries, and small pampering treats.
A Century of Community Support
The Salvation Army initiative is one of the 25 community groups supported by The Province's Empty Stocking Fund. Known affectionately as "Empty Sox," the fund has been making holidays brighter for less-fortunate families across British Columbia for more than 100 years. It provides essential resources for food hampers and gifts for children, families, and individuals.
Donations to the Empty Stocking Fund can be made online at theprovince.com/esf or by phone at 604-253-6911. The program continues to rely on the generosity of readers and supporters to sustain its vital community work.
