Santa’s Anonymous is a program put together in partnership with the Lacombe Kinsmen Club and Family and Community Support Services (FCSS).
The program aims to ensure every child in the community, regardless of financial situation, has a gift to open on Christmas morning. Gifts are accepted for a range of interests, genders and ages–up to 16.
Families who are interested in receiving a gift this year can contact FCSS to fill out an application form.
According to the President of the Kinsmen Club Craig Darrell, the program relies heavily on community donations. There are already donation bins set up around the city to collect donations.
The bins are set up at BMO bank, Servus Credit Union, Royal Bank, Home Hardware, L.A. Carpet and Tile, Peavey Mart, Red Apple, Lacombe Audio Video and Lacombe Pets and More.
Typically, the gifts would be wrapped before they are dropped off with the families. However, this year, because of COVID-19 that won’t be able to happen.
“Normally people can just volunteer to help wrap toys but this year we’re not doing any of that,” said Darrell.
Instead, the gifts will be selected by families and then wrapped at home to minimize COVID-19 transmission.
With the tough economic year, Darrell says they are in great need of donations to help all those affected in the community.
People who are interested in donating can drop off new gifts at one of the locations mentioned. Darrell says the charity is also accepting gift cards this year.
In 2019, Santa’s Anonymous ensured 301 Lacombe area children opened gifts on Christmas morning.
The fundraiser will continue until Christmas day.