ST. PAUL - Santa’s Elves are in dire need of donations to fill this year's Christmas hampers.
The Elves are lacking in specific age groups and are short by $2,500 compared to last year, according to hamper organizer Dawn Robitaille.
Donations are lacking for girls in the six to eight-year-old range and for boys and girls in the nine to 17-year-old range.
“We have found an extreme difference in the number of donations this year,” Robitaille said. “There is a higher need this year – there are a lot of hurting people out there.”
Robitaille says the Elves try to spend between $25 to $30 on each gift – with gifts/hampers going out to about 400 youth.
Anyone with donations can drop off toys at the St. Paul Regional High School or have it picked up. For pick-ups, please contact Dawn Robitaille at 780-645-4491. Cash donations are also accepted and cheques can be mailed to the High School and made to “Santa’s Elves.”
Drop-off boxes have also been set up at Giant Tiger, Peavey Mart, Canadian Tire and the Boys and Girls Club.
Though donations can be made all year long, the last day for donations this year is Dec. 19.
The Elves will also be taking names of anybody that needs a hamper or knows of someone in need of a hamper until noon on Dec. 18.
Knights of Columbus in 'decent shape'
As for food donations, things are looking good.
“The food hampers are going to be filled,” says Simon Dargis, Knights of Columbus hamper organizer. “We’re having a pretty good year so far.”
Dargis says the cash and food donations have been coming in nicely. Cash donations have helped organizers buy items they may be lacking.
“We are in pretty decent shape,” Dargis said. “And, we will continue taking donations until Dec. 25 and after.”
Excess items and funds will be used for next year's hampers. Donation boxes for the food hampers have been set up at Sobeys, Cornerstone Co-op and Extra-Foods. For monetary donations please contact Simon at 780-645-5130. Cheques can be made to “Knights of Columbus.”
The Knights of Columbus and Santa's Elves work together to ensure all families in need receive a hamper and gifts for Christmas.
Those looking for a hamper are encouraged to call any of the following numbers:
780-645-2604; 780-645-5534; 780-645-2617; 780-645-2185
