OLDS — Once again, Olds Christmas Angels is looking for help to make a person or family’s life a little brighter with donations for Christmas presents.
For 22 years, the volunteer group has been collecting and delivering toys, and gift cards to needy families in the community.
Donation barrels to collect those items were distributed to 20 locations throughout Olds, including businesses, schools and churches the week of Nov. 14.
Residents are encouraged to drop off a toy or gift cards in those barrels. The Angels will also accept monetary donations.
The Angel tag program is back for another year as well.
Shoppers can obtain the tags, which contain a child’s age and their wish for Christmas, from 19 local businesses listed on the Angels’ website.
They’re asked to shop for that gift, and then return it unwrapped in any of the Angels’ barrel locations.
The Angels’ annual toy drive was held Saturday, Dec. 8 in the Canadian Tire parking lot in Olds. A toy drive will also be undertaken during the Olds Grizzlys game on Dec. 15.
This year, inflation has taken a huge bite out of everyone’s income, but especially those with low incomes.
Joy Cavin, a Christmas Angels board member, says although there’s a big need for toys for young children, there’s also a huge need for gift cards for teenagers.
“It's very easy and a lot of fun to buy for young children. But it's a lot harder to buy something for a teenager,” Cavin said during an interview with the Albertan.
“We typically give them gift cards because it's that's what they're asking for. Often they need clothes.
“Our teenagers come in a variety of shapes, sizes and have specific likes and dislikes and teenagers are definitely more inclined to ask for a gift card than specific clothing items.”
This year, the Angels got fundraising help from a major source. The group was the beneficiary of the Tim Hortons holiday smile cookie campaign in Olds, held Nov. 13-19.
A company news release said 100 per cent of funds (before tax) raised by the sale of those cookies goes to charities, community groups and Tim Hortons Foundation Camps.
Anyone who knows a family that could benefit from the program, check out the refer a family tab on the Angels’ website. The site also offers opportunities for residents to get involved in the program, including delivering presents to families.
Cavin is thrilled with the participation from the community over the years.
“It's beautiful,” she said. “The companies, the community and the businesses that embrace Christmas Angels is incredible.”
