With just over 40 days until Christmas, the Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau is getting ready for a challenging year.
With skyrocketing food prices, many families will not be able to provide gifts or a special meal for their children. Community help is needed.
Providing a good family Christmas for those in need is the mandate of the Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau.
The Christmas Bureau is under the leadership of Jane Duncalfe and a team of volunteers. Behind the team is the support of community service clubs and individuals.
Hamper requests for a food card and children's gifts have increased in numbers every year. However, this year that increase may be even higher as food prices have increased, taking a huge bite out of family budgets.
Again, the Innisfail Co-op is donating generous space with easy access in the empty west bay (Dollar Store and More). Drop-off locations for new, unwrapped gifts have been arranged with Dairy Queen, the town office and at the Christmas Bureau location in the Co-op. All donated items must be new and unwrapped. Early donations are much appreciated. Later donations are often carefully packed up and stored for early inventory for the next year.
Registrations for hampers will begin Nov. 19 and continue on Mondays from 4 to 6 p.m. and Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. at the bureau Co-op location until Dec 15.
Applicants need to bring Alberta Health Care cards, proof of residency in Innisfail, (a current utility bill), and proof of need (income statements). Hampers are built by volunteers from the donated gifts soon after registration and can be picked up by the parents.
Besides toys, hampers include books, family games, puzzles, new stuffed toys, stocking stuffers and hats, mitts and scarves. A food card is used for redemption of groceries. Volunteers are welcome and needed.
A new event this year will be a tuque, mitts or “stuffie” toss at the Innisfail Eagles hockey game on Nov. 28. The annual RCMP Charity Check Stop will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13.
On Nov. 17, the Innisfail Fire Department will move the stored gifts from last year to the Co-op, and the next evening at 7 p.m. there will be a brief annual general meeting, followed by the unpacking and laying out of the stored gifts and any new donations. New volunteers are encouraged to attend this evening.
If you can help a little (or a lot!) your time is greatly appreciated.
The Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau can be contacted in person during its open hours, via email at [email protected], or call 403-227-4328 and leave a message if you know a family in need. For large donation pickup, please call 403-227-5529.
Norma Hoppins is the donations coordinator of this year's Innisfail and District Christmas Bureau
