Staff at the Lacombe FCSS are busy with this year’s programs aimed at brightening the Christmas season for local families.
“I think the programs are coming along really well. We are also receiving a vast amount of applications coming through our doors for our programs,” said Wendy Griffin, community projects coordinator with Lacombe FCSS.
“The need is definitely out there,” she said, adding that folks can apply for assistance either online or by dropping by the office, which is located on the second floor of the LMC.
Griffin said it would be terrific to see a few corporate challenges take place around the community to help bolster support as well.
They’ve also encouraged those hosting a staff Christmas party to consider supporting one of the FCSS campaigns as part of their festivities.
“There is always room for more support,” she said.
Meanwhile, applications for the Coats for Kids program can be made through to Jan. 31.
The program is aimed at those 18 and under, and families can apply every other year.
Gift certificates are distributed for either Reds Source for Sports, Peavy Mart, or the Red Apple, which helps to offset the cost of a new coat.
There is also the Christmas Fill a Fridge program, where FCSS partners with all three of the grocery stores in Lacombe, along with Alix Food Town and Clive Village Foods which also take part in the program.
Money that is donated is used to buy vouchers for these grocers.
Griffin noted that the need for donations in this program is particularly high this year, as is also the case with the Santa’s Anonymous program, which although it’s a Lacombe Kinsmen program, is managed through the FCSS office.
“There is a big need out there.”
Meanwhile, the above programs are for anybody (who qualifies) in Lacombe, Bentley, Clive, Alix, Mirror, and Lacombe County.
Monetary donations for both New Coats for Kids and the Christmas Fill a Fridge program can be made online at www.lacombefcss.net/donations or at the office which is located on the second floor of the Lacombe Memorial Centre.
For more information, and to learn about eligibility requirements for the various programs, call the FCSS office at 403-782-6637 or visit www.lacombefcss.net.
