Richard Froese
South Peace News
Many families, seniors and other adults in High Prairie will celebrate Christmas with a turkey, ham and gift cards courtesy the Children’s Resource Council.
Santa’s Little Helpers will provide food and toys, as well as items for seniors and adult singles in need, CAO Naal Sharkawi says.
“The CRC, along with community support, will provide gift cards for meal sides and toys,” Sharkawi says.
“This gives families the ability to pick what they want for Christmas dinners.”
Gift cards are redeemable at Freson Bros. in High Prairie.
“They play a large part in our program and have been dedicated supporters for many years,” Sharkawi says.
Santa’s Helpers delivered 69 gift packages in 2023, mostly to families where 140 children received gifts. Fourteen seniors and seven adults were also served.
Sharkawi expects demand will be higher this holiday season.
“We are estimating an increase due to the economic climate,” says Sharkawi says.
“With the rise in the cost of living, we are expecting more families to apply and we encourage families to do so.”
He and the CRC want no child to to go without a gift.
“Our goal is for every child to open a gift, big or small, on Christmas morning and have a Christmas dinner,” Sharkawi says.
“We understand that times are tough for many families and others and we want to help as many people in need through our Santa’s Little Helpers program.”
The CRC has a goal to provide meals and gifts to a record number of seniors this year, he adds.
“Although we may be the Children’s Resource Council, we are a member of the community and want to continue to support everyone we can.
“We are asking people donating to pick a few items for seniors as well.
“Management and staff at the IDA next to the Red Apple has agreed to have an Angel Tree for seniors,” Sharkawi says.
“We are grateful for their support.”
He also trusts people in the community will continue to be generous to support those in need.
“High Prairie area citizens have always been amazing at contributing to Santa’s Little Helpers,” Sharkawi says.
The deadline for people to apply for the program is Dec. 13 at 4 p.m.
However, late applications will be accepted until Dec. 16.
Gift cards and toys will be delivered or may be picked up Dec. 20 from 1-4 p.m.
Applications are available at the Children’s Centre at 4709 – 51 Ave. or online on the CRC website at hpdcrc.ca.
Donations of unwrapped toys are also being accepted under Angel Trees at Revolution Ford and Chevrolet.
Toys and monetary donations may also be delivered at the Children’s Centre.
Individuals, families, businesses and organizations are also invited to participate in the Adopt-a-Family program.
Sponsorships will provide a family, senior or individual in need with a Christmas meal grocery gift card at Freson Bros.
Donors also have an option to include gifts for children and youth in the family.
The deadline for donations is Dec. 13.
“We understand that the application asks specific information, however, please come in and we can help you through the application process,” Sharkawi says.
“We will continue to accept donations after Dec. 13 as wrapping and packing will be in process the following week leading up to Christmas,” Sharkawi says.
Monetary donations may be mailed to the Children’s Resource Council; P. O. Box 888; High Prairie, AB; T0G 1E0.
For more information, phone (780) 523-2715.