The Olds and District Christmas Angels Society is gearing up for another busy Christmas Season ensuring that less fortunate individuals and families in Olds and area have an enjoyable Christmas thanks to the generosity of the community.
“We depend entirely upon the generosity of the people and businesses within our community to provide the support for this program,” says Erica Sweetman, public relations director for the Olds and District Christmas Angels.
“We are expecting that there will a greater demand for Christmas hampers due to the downturn in the economy. A number of people have become unemployed and people are finding it harder to make ends meet each month. Christmas adds another financial burden on families.”
The Olds and District Christmas Angels Society provides toys for children of all ages and each family will also receive a grocery gift card from one of the local grocery stores.
“We recognized a few years ago that we have a diverse community,” says Sweetman “What may be a traditional meal to some families is not to others.”
Sweetman went on to state that the move to gift cards had the full support of both donors and recipients.
Recipients still receive a small grocery hamper filled with Christmas treats like oranges, a box of chocolates, as well as cereal and juice.
Children receive at least one gift as well as a few stocking stuffers.
“We fill hampers based upon the items donated to us,” stated Sweetman.
Volunteers are left scrambling when it comes to filling hampers for the teenagers on the list. She provided a few suggestions for teenage gifts including passes to the local theatre, bowling alley or Grizzlys hockey games that people could purchase and in turn donate to the Christmas Angels.
Monetary donations as well as new toys are always welcome, said Sweetman.
Donation barrels and cash boxes can be found at local businesses.
The Christmas Angels phone line is now operating and people are encouraged to phone 403-415-9627 if they would like to volunteer, make a donation or refer a family.
