WESTLOCK – As the holiday season approaches, two key Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programs are stepping up to support local families in need.
The Coats for Kids and Families initiative has a unique approach, relying on the generosity of the community to provide winter clothing for those in need, said Program Coordinator, Mackenzie Craig. Unlike traditional programs, Coats for Kids and Families doesn’t track who receives donations. Instead, gently used or new coats, as well as other winter gear, are collected, cleaned, and made available for anyone who needs them.
“We accept donations from the community and we get those items cleaned and then they get hung up in our hallway and people are free to take what they need as they need. Not only do we reach youth but we also reach adults.”
The program helps people of all ages.
“A range of sizes are needed,” she said. “There is such a range in sizing anywhere from new babies all the way up to seniors. We were really fortunate to get some plus size donations this year and they are already all gone.”
Donations are being accepted throughout the winter until supplies run out. Those in need can pick up items at the Westlock FCSS office.
“They can come into the Heritage Building,” said Craig. “At the end of the hall by the blue lockers there are coat racks and tables with the winter gear set out, and they can help themselves. We go all winter until we run out of coats or donations.”
Spirit Campaign
The Westlock and District Christmas Spirit Campaign helps local residents in the Town of Westlock, Westlock County and Village of Clyde. Families and individuals with qualifying income levels will be considered to receive food vouchers and gifts.
“People have to phone and make an appointment,” said Maureen Schiller, program co-ordinator. “They have to apply for it and if they are approved they are given a shopping date where they choose things for their kids. Families actually get to pick for their kids what they are going to take.
“Or if it’s just an adult, they can come and get a food voucher,” she added. “Families get food vouchers and toys whereas adults only get a food voucher.”
People need to register by Dec. 10. To make an application appointment, call the office at 780-349-5900 to determine if you qualify and to schedule an appointment. No applications will be accepted after Dec. 10.
For a single person to qualify they have to make $21,520 or less a year. For a family of four with two adults and two children they would have to make no more than $40,792.
The program relies heavily on donations from the community, and families can choose from toys, books, games, and activities, as well as practical items like gloves, toques, and sometimes blankets.
There are approximately 12 donation bins located at businesses in Westlock. People can also make cash donations online at Westlock FCSS’s website, or they can go into the office at 10007 – 100 Avenue in Westlock.
The more donations they get, the more they can help others. So far, the need this year is about the same as last year.
"Last year, we helped around 112 families, and we’re already seeing strong community support this year," said Schiller.
“The community is so generous this time of year that we truly appreciate it without the donations from the community the program wouldn’t be able to run and we just want to thank everybody for continuing to support this program.”
