And like most parents, mom Lisa Yensen, would love nothing more than to give her sons everything they want this Christmas. However, 31-year-old Yensen is a single mom on disability.

"There's hardly enough money to pay the rent, buy them clothes and pay for food," said Yensen, who has lived in Richmond her whole life. "Christmas is always a struggle, there's just not enough money."

Her descent into poverty began in her teens. She dropped out of Cambie secondary at 16, married at 18, was pregnant at 19 and divorced at 21.

With no formal education, fewer workplace skills, a small child and no child support from her husband, Yensen has had to struggle to make ends meet. The situation is even more difficult given that Yensen was diagnosed a few years ago with bipolar disorder and fibromyalgia. (a chronic condition characterized by widespread pain in your muscles, ligaments and tendons, as well as fatigue and multiple tender points.)

Christmas is always a tough time.

However, since Yensen was referred to the Richmond Christmas Fund five years ago, the holidays have been much brighter.

"It's amazing, just amazing," said Yensen. "The first time we registered with the Christmas Fund, the Richmond Hovercraft crew sponsored us.

"It was unbelievable ... they brought over so much food, lots of wrapped presents for the boys and a gift certificate for me."

It didn't stop there. The crew took the family on a boat tour.

"The Christmas Bureau renews your belief in mankind," said Yensen. "To know that more fortunate people in the community go out of their way to provide gifts and food for those less fortunate is beyond words ... I can't say thank you enough for what it means to my sons."

Richmond Christmas Bureau longtime volunteer Roberta Price knows what Yensen is feeling. Not only has she been volunteering for more than two decades, Price has also used the bureau to provide presents for her three children.

"In 1992, I found myself a single mom with a six-month-old daughter and two teenage sons," said Price. "I was trying to go to school and work but it was a real struggle."

Price was supporting her young family on student loans, hardly enough to care and feed two strapping teenage boys and a newborn. "Because I was working for the Christmas Fund I didn't feel I could ask for help," said Price as she wiped away tears. "It was on the urging of the other volunteers that I finally decided to register.

"I needed to let go of my pride and ask for assistance for my children... I was so grateful for the incredible generosity shown to me during that difficult time and my children enjoyed a brighter Christmas."

All the while, Price has never wavered from taking time out of her busy life to help the bureau.

"I'm the one on the radio who tells the families when it's their time to go into the toy room," she said with a smile. "When I see the smiles and receive the hugs from grateful parents who need help, it warms my heart.

"The kindness of Richmond people and the Christmas Fund is truly a gift."

For more information on how to register your family for the Richmond Christmas Fund, apply at Volunteer Richmond by calling 604-279-7020 or visit http://volunteerrichmond.ca/ChristmasFund/how_can_apply.asp. Registration dates run from Nov. 24 to Dec. 10. You must be a Richmond resident to apply for help and you don't have to have children.

FACTS ABOUT THE RICHMOND CHRISTMAS FUND:

- Each year, the fund distributes grocery vouchers to more than 2,000 low-income Richmond residents -- 380 individuals and 846 families

- More than 1,000 children (12 and under) receive numerous gifts from the McDonald's Toy Room ensuring that no child returns to school in January without a wonderful holiday story to tell. Teens receive gift certificates to the local shopping centre.

- Some fortunate families are matched with a sponsor for a custom food and gift hamper. Sponsors, who are usually individuals or corporations, then create a personalized food and gift package for their sponsored family, based on the needs and tastes of that family.

- Groups wishing to create a custom hamper for a family in need must register with the Christmas Fund by Friday, November 19.

- Visit www.volunteerrichmond.ca to download the registration form or contact Volunteer Richmond at 604-279-7020 or info@volunteerrichmond.ca.

- This program would not be possible without the 120+ volunteers who contribute more than 2,200 hours each year by helping with registration, toy distribution, data entry and fundraising events.

Courtesy of the Richmond Christmas Fund