Friday marks final day to apply for this year’s Red Deer Christmas Bureau

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“We continue to see great support that way. We have men and women who make winter accessories, hats and scarves, and make baby blankets as well and baby quilts.”

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This year also marks the return of the food hamper distributions from Dec. 21-22. During the pandemic, stores did not have enough food supply to donate to the Bureau for a Christmas dinner consisting of a protein, potatoes, dessert and a pancake breakfast. The Bureau was instead providing gift cards through monetary donations to cover the costs of a family meal.

READ: Generosity and Appreciation mark Red Deer Christmas Bureau’s 60th anniversary

The Bureau has also added this year, hamper distribution for seniors.

Food and toy donations have not just come from individuals, but a wide variety of events, including the RCMP’s Charity Checkstop, the City of Red Deer’s Toys for Tickets, Bottles for a Better Christmas, and other fundraisers within private businesses. Durhman also noted the support from various service clubs like the Rotary, Kinsmen and Kiwanis.

READ: Toys for Tickets campaign another success in 2022

Durham also noted, however, they have not been short of volunteers, which the organization is run entirely on.

“The community is helping us out that way and I’m really seeing a love for the community because everybody is coming together and volunteers here are caring very much for all the clients that come in,” she said.

Besides monetary donations, some gifts still in need are for children ages 10-17 with some suggestions being sports equipment, earphones, and hair products like a curling iron or blow dryer. All donations stay within the local communities of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Penhold and Springbrook.

Durham expressed much gratitude for Red Deer and the surrounding area, saying the community came together to give a good Christmas to those who, perhaps prior, would not have had a good Christmas.

“Everyone is caring and being empathetic for those in need. That’s what we’re here for; because people need help at Christmas,” she said.

Hamper pick-up for both families and seniors will be on Dec. 21 and 22 at the Bureau’s new and larger location on #2-4630 61 St. with no toy pick-ups during those days. The last day for toy pick-ups will be on Dec. 19.