ELK POINT - Hygiene items, cleaning wipes, laundry detergent and toilet paper are not the first items that come to mind when Christmas shopping, but for people struggling financially, these household necessities are almost off their lists. Food becomes the priority. Gifts for children have to be sacrificed. When money is scarce, Christmas can be bleak.
That’s why Community Lions of Elk Point runs the Santas Anonymous program every year. Their philosophy is that everyone should enjoy a good meal and every child deserves the thrill of opening a present. Through Santas Anonymous, families in need receive food, toys, and necessities donated by generous members of the community.
What are some of the many, many ways that the people of Elk Point and area show their generosity? They respond to donation request letters with money to pay for gifts. They participate in sewing bees and fabricate warm, colourful quilts. They purchase and drop items into donation boxes at local businesses. They host food drives at their churches, schools, or businesses. They throw teddy bears onto the ice at hockey games. They donate money at the tills in the Co-op. They knit toques and mitts and pin them onto the Christmas trees set up at ATB or Servus Credit Union. They contribute toys at toy drives. Whatever method they use, the community pulls together to ensure that there is warmth and light for everyone at Christmas time.
To add names to the Santas Anonymous list, families in need can call FCSS at 780 724 7810.
For more information on how to help Santas, see the Community Lions of Elk Point Facebook page.
