WESTLOCK – Christmas can carry a hefty financial burden for many, but thanks to the Westlock and District Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), that burden has been eased.
Hundreds of gifts were distributed to dozens of families in need Dec. 16-17 through the Christmas Spirit and Adopt-a-Family programs offered by FCSS.
While the exact amount of donations is still being counted, program director Maureen Schiller said they received more than enough gifts to help 108 families.
“People were great this year,” Schiller said, noting an increase in teen-related gifts that have historically been difficult to obtain. “We’re hoping for more again next year.”
For over a decade these programs have benefited families in and around Westlock through the holiday season by ensuring everyone has a warm meal and toys for Christmas.
“I can’t afford a lot for Christmas for my kids, so this helps immensely,” said one woman utilizing the Christmas Spirit program who asked to remain anonymous.
The mother of four says she was laid off near the start of the pandemic and has taken part in the program for two years to provide gifts for her kids. She says that in both years she was impressed by how many donations were made and the generosity of the community.
“It helps families that can’t afford a lot,” she added. “It’s nice that the community actually does stuff like this for us.”
Donations were dropped off by businesses and individuals for the Adopt-a-Family program Dec. 17, which matches a donor with a family in need. Gifts quickly filled the halls of the Rotary Spirit Centre where they were then distributed to families.
“I just think it’s a worthy cause. Christmas is a time of year when people shouldn’t have to worry about if they can or can’t afford it. To me it’s about the kids,” said Deirdre McCormick, who donated gifts for two families on behalf of Alberta Health Services (AHS).
Like several businesses in the area, AHS held an office-wide fundraiser, something McCormick says has been tradition for over a decade. In the past they have adopted as many families as possible, one year even providing gifts to five families.
This year they were able to donate stocking stuffers such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, candy and toys as well as larger items like LEGO and remote-control cars.
“Go for it. Do it,” said McCormick, encouraging more people to donate. “I have a lot of fun going to the store and picking stuff out for the kids. I try and get the best for our budget. I don’t want them to have junk, I want them to have good stuff.”
