Christmas is quickly approaching and Barrhead and District FCSS, like Santa Claus, is busy checking its list in an effort to make sure every child receives something special.
Ros Rudd, Barrhead and District FCSS Community and Development co-ordinator, said for more than 30 years FCSS has helped parents, who otherwise couldn’t afford to give their children a toy, through a program called Santa’s Toy Box.
“The generosity of this community never stops amazing me,” she said, adding the program never has any shortage of volunteers or donations. “And this year is no different.”
To qualify for the program, people must fill out an application form at FCSS to prove that they are in need.
“We use the LICOs (low income cut-offs) criteria by looking at what they receive on their income tax statement,” Rudd said, adding this is the same criteria both the federal and provincial government uses to determine social-program eligibility.
LICOs are income thresholds below which a family will likely devote a larger share of its income on the necessities of food, shelter and clothing than the average family.
The applications also help ensure only Barrhead-area families receive help.
Rudd said over the last number of years, they’ve received inquires from families from larger municipalities such as Stony Plain, Spruce Grove, St. Albert and even Edmonton, because of demand.
So far, as of Dec. 5, they have received 48 applications but by the time Santa’s Toy Box application deadline is reached on Wednesday, Dec 14, Rudd expects that number to be closer to 95.
“That is about what we have had for the last two or three years,” she said.
As for donations, Rudd said people can drop off their toys at FCSS at anytime, adding they currently are not looking for anything in particular. “Just toys appropriate for children from newborns right up to 17 years old and of course any financial donation is appreciated. That way we can shop for any special requests a family might have or for an age group that we don’t have something for.”
However, she said the one area where people can help is in gift-wrapping supplies. In addition to toys and gift-wrapping supplies, Rudd said, Santa’s Toy Box also accepts items for parents.
“Although the program is for children, whenever we can we try to include a small gift for the parents as well,” Rudd said.
For more information about Santa’s Toy Box call FCSS at 780-674-3341.
