BARRHEAD - Christmas may be a little more than a month away, but for the staff and volunteers of Santa's Toy Box, it is just around the corner.
Santa's Toy Box is a Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services (FCSS) program that gives parents and guardians something special to give their children on Christmas morning.
The deadline to apply for Santa's Toy Box and the associated Christmas hamper program is Nov. 29.
However, program manager Pamela Griffith stated that depending on the need, they might be able to extend the deadline for a short period.
Applicants must also provide proof of residency (both Barrhead municipalities or the Fort Assiniboine area).
"It is pretty informal," she said. "A driver's license will do the trick most of the time. If not, just something with their address on it," she said.
Last year, FCSS gave out 188 Christmas hampers, and Griffith notes that if Food Bank usage is any indication, she believes the need will be as high, if not higher, this holiday season.
Ways to help
Griffith said there are several ways for people to help. The first is by donating a new toy, clothing item, sporting equipment, beauty item, or gift card appropriate for a child from newborn to older teen and dropping it off at the FCSS office.
She also noted that people can also donate to Barrhead Ford's "Fill-A-Ford" campaign by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy during their business' regular hours until Dec. 6 or through the Barrhead Red Apple's "Fill a Sleigh"event on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It should also be noted that the Barrhead Ford salesperson team will donate $50 for every vehicle they sell during the campaign, which started Nov. 12.
Griffith added that people and businesses can adopt a family, and FCSS pairs them with an appropriate family.
"People will get information about the family's makeup, like how many children there are, their genders and ages, along with guidelines on the amount they should spend for each, along with some of their likes and interests of the children and clothing sizes," she said.
The sponsor then buys all the gifts, wraps them, and delivers them to the FCSS for distribution. Sponsors also have the option of providing a Christmas food hamper by purchasing a gift card from one of the local grocery stores.
Griffith noted that although the Food Bank provides much of the contents of the Christmas food hamper, the majority of it comes in the form of a certificate or gift card to the local grocery stores.
"That way, people can get what best meets the needs of their families," she said.
Pickup dates for Santa's Toy Box and the Christmas hamper run from Dec. 16 to 19.
Griffith noted pickups are by appointment, and parents will have the opportunity, for Santa's Toy Box, to select appropriate items for their children.
For more information about Santa's Toy Box or the Christmas hamper programs, contact Griffith at 780-674-3341 (extension 106). Donations for Santa's Toy Box and the Food Bank can be dropped off Monday through Friday at FCSS, 5103-51 Street.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
