A Christmas program operated by Bashaw and District Support Services (BDSS) for over three decades is back for another year.
The BDSS Santa's Anonymous program kicked off right after Remembrance Day and aims to support those in need in the community.
According to BDSS staff member Sheila Seale, those who need some extra help this Christmas can submit a request up until the end of the first week of December.
Families accepted will receive their choice of turkey or ham, all the trimmings for a holiday meal, buns, fresh fruit, a box of chocolates, and gifts for each member of the family.
When families apply to the Santa's Anonymous program they are asked for a wishlist of what they would like for Christmas, and those wishes get put on the tree in the BDSS office.
Community members are free to stop in at BDSS and either grab a tag off the tree to purchase a gift, or donate money towards purchasing gifts on the tree.
"If the wish list is reasonable and not ridiculously expensive, then their wishes are bought and wrapped," said Seale.
People can donate money towards the Santa's Anonymous gifts by dropping off cash or a cheque, or e-transferring BDSS.
After the application deadline passes, and all the gifts are purchased, BDSS staff and volunteers will put the hampers together and wrap presents for delivery the week before Christmas.
On Average, Santa's Anonymous helps around 50 families per year enjoy the holiday season.
For more information, call BDSS at 780-372-4074.
-This story was updated to correct some typos.
