Penhold citizens have a different option for paying their tickets this month. Until Dec. 13 one can use a toy worth at least 75 per cent of their fine instead of having to pony up the cash.
It's a “cool thing” the town has offered for the last three years, explained Julie Dallaire, community services manager.
The program started Nov. 1 and people who receive a municipal fine from a peace officer such as a parking ticket are eligible. Toys will not be accepted in lieu of provincial tickets.
The toys collected will be given to the Penhold FCSS department, which is working with the Red Deer Christmas Bureau to create hampers for people in Penhold.
“It helps our community and it comes back to us,” said Dana Jones, peace officer, who said local residents do receive Christmas help through the bureau.
“It will benefit a child and family in need at this time of the year,” she said, encouraging people to take part.
So far, Jones said a few toys have been brought in but she hopes to see more before the 13th.
“They can be for kids age one to 13 and they need to have the tags still on them,” she added. Instead of a toy, people can bring in gift certificates to stores such as Toys R Us or Walmart.
When bringing the toy to the town office, people need to bring their receipt and Jones asks that the gifts remain unwrapped. She said war toys will not be accepted.
The Penhold Museum Society is getting ready to host its annual Christmas fundraiser.
On Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Penhold Memorial Hall, members will hold their annual craft fair.
“All of the proceeds will go to the upkeep of the museum,” said member Marj Baker.
“We need a fair bit to keep us going. We are a non-profit so it can be hard especially with other fundraising going on,” she added.
Baker said the society doesn't have a specific dollar amount in mind, but said the craft fair is typically their biggest fundraiser every year, so she is hopeful this year will be like all others.
Members will have different items for sale including jewelry, suncatchers, quilts, baked goods, books and beauty products.
“A lot of it is homemade,” said Baker, who said the crafts will take up 25 tables. She said the event has been known in the community for more than 20 years.
“It's a yearly thing people look forward to and it really gets people into the Christmas mood,” she said, explaining there will be Christmas-themed crafts for people looking for gift ideas or decorations.
In addition there will be a concession set up with soup, sandwiches and desserts.
The museum is located off of Highway 2A in an old school building that was originally situated just south of the air base in Springbrook. Baker said it was moved into town after a fire destroyed part of the town's school and another room was needed for the students.
“We strive to preserve our history,” said Baker, who noted people will find inside an old-fashioned telephone switchboard, school artifacts including books and one of the first photocopiers made.
In the summer the museum is known for its ice cream shack that is set up outside and runs from June to September.
