Richard Froese
South Peace News
The annual Christmas Angels hamper program returns!
Big Lakes County Family and Community Support Services (FCCS) is already accepting applications.
Applications started Oct. 2 to give people plenty of time to apply before the deadline of Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. – no late exceptions.
“We want to ensure everyone who needs a food basket can receive one,” FCSS manager Nicole Hanna says.
“Due to the high cost of food, we’re expecting an increase in applications this year,” Hanna says.
Eligible recipients within Big Lakes’ municipal boundaries appreciate the hampers, she says.
“It is our goal that every resident of the county enjoys food on the table and toys under the tree this Christmas,” Hanna says.
“None of this is possible without generous community support.”
Last year, FCSS delivered 78 hampers to serve 188 people including 109 adults and 79 children.
FCSS accepts only monetary donations to buy food for Christmas dinner and one toy for each child up to 16 years of age living in the home.
Donations can be accepted at the county main office in High Prairie, the Kinuso satellite office and at FCSS offices in High Prairie, Enilda, Grouard, Joussard and Faust.
Applications must be completed by an FCSS worker to verify required information before the application is forwarded to the review committee.
“Donations of any amount can help us make a big difference right in our community,” Hanna says.
“We can provide only as many baskets as donations received.”
Big Lakes will issue official charitable donation receipts for income tax purposes.
Cheques may be payable to Big Lakes County and mailed to Big Lakes County; Box 239; High Prairie, AB; T0G 1E0.
For more information, please phone the FCSS office in High Prairie at (780) 523-0062, in Joussard (780) 776-3811, in Grouard (780) 751-3806, in Enilda (780) 523-5925, in Faust (780) 355-3896, in the county satellite office in Kinuso (780) 775-3666, or the main county office in High Prairie (780) 523-5955.