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Santa’s Anonymous going forward, with precautions

Hampers will be quarantined for 72 hours before delivery, along with other COVID considerations

ATHABASCA — As Alberta's chief medical officer of health Dr. Deena HInshaw and other medical professionals around the world have noted, yes, there will be a Christmas this year and children are encouraged to put out hand sanitizer and masks for Santa instead of the traditional milk and cookies. 

It's the same for the Athabasca area's Santa’s Anonymous group, organized by the Athabasca Landing Métis Community Association, says Virginia Donald, who oversees the annual Christmastime program — the organization is still handing out hampers this year, but there will be a few changes. 

“One thing that's going to be different is the school (Edwin Parr Composite) is not going to put the hampers together, they always did it in the past,” she said. “We have enough volunteers; we're going to have three different shifts of six people at a time where they’re distancing in the basement of the Legion.” 

Donald contacted Santa’s Anonymous Alberta head office where she was told there are specific rules to follow, like only six people at a time, no matter how much room there is to work in; that hampers need to sit for 72 hours before delivery; and that hampers will be dropped off instead of picked up. 

“We'll fill them in advance and tell them that we'll have it left on their doorstep and they know when we'll be coming,” she said. “We'll just knock on the door, and they can come out and get it.” 

Donald said she has already ordered the groceries, taking advantage of sales but that donations of money are always welcome to cover last minute requests. 

“We have food items,” said Donald. “So, that's why we take donations, because we make sure that they have a hamper with enough to make a Christmas dinner.” 

Red Apple also supports the non-profit and every year starts collecting donations in November, with the local store already collecting well over $4,500 toward their $8,000 goal for the end of day Dec. 5, when the annual Fill-a-Sleigh event takes place and 10 per cent of everything purchased goes to Santa’s Anonymous. 

“Normally they do 10 per cent of toy sales, but because everything's so bad this year and there's so many people in need the company has decided to do 10 per cent of all sales,” said assistant manager Mary Lou Tytula. “No matter what you buy, as long as you buy it on Dec. 5, 10 per cent of all sales are coming to Santa’s Anonymous this year.” 

And to raise more money, Tytula’s daughter Lily has painted three Pokémon pictures for a silent auction in the store. The highest bidder will be chosen Dec. 4 at 6 p.m. and all proceeds will go back to Santa’s Anonymous. 

The money raised by Red Apple is used to fill out gifts for teenagers, as they are the most under served age group when people donate gifts, Donald said. 

“Whatever cash was donated to (Red Apple) they donate to us,” said Donald. “And we buy teenage gifts right at their store.” 

Delivery for Athabasca hampers will take place Dec. 17 and 18 with deliveries to Calling Lake taking place Dec. 19. 

If you or a family you know could benefit from a Santa’s Anonymous hamper, the application forms are at Lollypop Thrift Shop and the cut off is Dec. 4. 

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