Christmas almost here

Dave Collins
Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper Chairman

 

This time next year, Santa’s Elves (the Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper volunteers) will be working longer and nearer to Christmas Day before distributing their generous hampers.
But this year, due to the way the calendar falls, the cutoff for gifts such as food and toys is almost here and by now the elves will be busy packing all those goodies.
So with this shortened campaign the society is looking for cash donations to fund our purchases from the local stores.
“We knew we had a short campaign this year and planned our donations and purchases accordingly,” said Dave Collins, the Chair of the Society. “Food and toys have arrived by the truckload and we are proud once again to acknowledge the generosity of the entire community of Strathmore and the surrounding Wheatland County. The schools, churches and all the service clubs along with many businesses have excelled in their support.”
It looks like the society will be filling close to the 180 hampers projected, which is good or even sad depending on your point of view. The local economy is buoyant, but low wages and income continues to contribute to the need for Christmas Hampers. There is no common type of family as far as applicants are concerned – they range across all ages for the parents and the children, and the size of the families are just as varied.
When those families are on a tight budget any small crisis such as car repairs or medical expenses can mean no presents for the children nor a traditional feast on Christmas Day. So once again the society thanks all those who have donated.
Cash donations would still be appreciated by way of cheques, made payable to the Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper Society and mailed to:
The Strathmore FCSS, c/o 680 Westchester Road, Strathmore, Alta., T1P 1J1 or dropped off at the FCSS office, 85 Lakeside Blvd. Income Tax receipts will be issued.
We’re already the largest and most generous Christmas Hamper Society in all of Canada – let’s keep up the good work!
May you enjoy a Merry and Peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year.