Once again, with the leaves falling, the Christmas season is fast approaching and the Alder Flats, Buck Lake and Winfield Santa’s Anonymous committee is gearing up to help needy families in our community. The group’s mandate is to help make the Christmas season better for our local families, those who maybe don’t have the means to put a Christmas dinner on the table or buy gifts for their children.
We are collecting non-perishable food items, unwrapped gifts and monetary donations throughout the three communities. There will be donation boxes and tins at a variety of businesses and schools in the area and we would be grateful for any donations you feel would be appropriate.
The food and gift hampers are customized for each family who will receive staple items such as cereal, canned goods, flour, sugar, tea, coffee, juice, rice and pasta. We will add perishable items just prior to delivery of a turkey or ham, potatoes, buns and Christmas oranges. Our primary goal is to provide food for the families to help carry them through December which can be a difficult month for people on a reduced budget. We also like to include some basic necessities such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes and gloves or socks. Lastly, we include a gift or two for each family member. Everything is packed into brightly wrapped Christmas boxes and delivered a few days before Christmas.
Recipients are referred via self referrals, social agencies, schools and churches. We only send hampers to people who are referred to us for the 2015 season. If you know someone who needs extra help this year and would like to refer them please contact one of the above agencies or call Lois Gilbertson at 780-682-2388 or Marian Whitby at 780-388-3774 before the first week in December. The donation boxes will be collected approximately December 13.