Secret Santa 2019 has officially begun, with applications for hampers and food certificates being accepted at the Salvation Army Church (5010-51 Ave., Wetaskiwin) Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. The last day to apply for Secret Santa offerings is Tuesday, Dec. 10.
NEW: Adopt-a-Family
A new, exciting program being offered this year is Adopt-a-Family! Community members, organizations, or businesses can ‘adopt’ a Secret Santa applicant by buying the gifts requested for their Holiday Hamper.
Holiday Hampers to be picked up
A change this year for Secret Santa is that holiday hampers will be picked up instead of being delivered, as in past years. This will allow applicants to pick up their hamper at a time that is convenient for their schedule and ensures their privacy is protected. The hamper pick-up day will be Tuesday, Dec. 17 from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m., and again from 5-8 p.m. at the Civic Building (4904-51 St., Wetaskiwin).
The Civic Building is the new headquarters for the Secret Santa Campaign, and gives the program a chance to expand community involvement by having hampers created over multiple weeks instead of only two days. More volunteer shifts are now available, so if you’re interested in helping out with the holiday hampers, please email tabatha.wallace@wetaskiwin.ca or call the Wetaskiwin Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) office at 780-361-4425.
Secret Santa donation drop-off locations
There are many locations in Wetaskiwin accepting donations for Secret Santa, including City Hall, the Manluk Recreation Centre, Wetaskiwin Public Library, most local banks and Canadian Tire.
Secret Santa is looking for new, unused, unwrapped toys and clothing for ages 0 to 16. If you would like to give a cash donation to help cover the cost of the food certificates, they will be gratefully accepted at City of Wetaskiwin FCSS (3rd floor, 4705-50 Ave.). Donation cheques can be made out to: Secret Santa – City of Wetaskiwin.
For more information on the 2019 Secret Santa Campaign, please contact FCSS at 780-361-4425 or visit wetaskiwin.ca/secretsanta. Follow this and other holiday season news on the City’s Facebook page.