Christmas Bureau volunteers are busy gathering new, donated toys for the upcoming hamper season.
More than 20 people are already sorting through donations at the toy depot of the Christmas Bureau located at Bay #10, 7429-49th Ave.
Gerri Tiller, toy depot director and volunteer co-ordinator, said this is the time of year where they are preparing for the onslaught of applications from those needing a hand-up over the holidays.
This is the 50th year the Red Deer Christmas Bureau has been active. The Salvation Army and Central Alberta Women’s Outreach work with the Christmas Bureau to ensure there is no duplication as they all have Christmas hamper programs.
As of Nov. 12, individuals, couples and families can drop into the Christmas Bureau to apply and be interviewed for the toy and hamper program. The last day to apply is Dec. 17.
“It’s for anyone who needs assistance, so we go according to low-income,” said Tiller.
“They just have to bring proof of their income.”
A family with children will receive toys, plus puzzles and games, books, and stuffed animals. G
irls are also invited to check out the “doll house” to pick out a doll that comes with crocheted or handknitted blankets made by the volunteers. There’s also a parents’ table so that adults can pick out what they like as well.
The Christmas Bureau does a full hamper (including a turkey and ham) or a partial hamper (one ham or chicken). They are picked up on Dec. 20 and 21.
In December 2011, the bureau provided toys to 1,065 children.
It received 1,055 applications from families and individuals.
“We’ve been blessed with a strong number of volunteers,” Tiller said.
“We probably have 25 volunteers who have been here for up to 15 years and then we about 25 to 30 new volunteers.”
This is the first year that a core group of volunteers have worked year-round. Tiller and several others would gather at the bureau once a week, sometimes twice a week, to get the dolls ready, plus do stocking stuffers.
“We also give out trees and if they need ornaments,” said Tiller.
The bureau is presently looking for toys as well as cash donations so that Christmas Bureau volunteers can buy gifts they may be short of. Typically, the bureau needs more presents for 13 to 16-year-olds, as well as toys for babies.
The bureau’s toy depot offers gifts for those aged newborns to 16.
After their applications have been successful, clients can start shopping for their children on Nov. 26. The last day for shopping is Dec. 18.
Central Albertans can drop off donations to the bureau, which is open from 9-4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
For more information, call 403-347-2210.
ltester@www.reddeeradvocate.com