Smoky River Family and Community Support Services is requesting the support of the community in its Fill-A-Sleigh campaign for its Christmas Voucher Program Dec. 6.
The Fill-A-Sleigh campaign is hosted annually at Red Apple in Falher and will help support a program that spreads Christmas cheer to people who are facing trials and tribulations.
The campaign helps collect toys for the Christmas Voucher Program.
“The Christmas voucher program supports individuals and families facing financial difficulties during the holiday season by providing a voucher to use at one of our local stores, along with gifts for children under the age of 17,” says FCSS director Crystal Tremblay.
“Red Apple graciously offers every year to hold this event, and we appreciate all the businesses that help out this time of year,” she adds.
The Christmas Voucher program started receiving registrations on Nov. 3. FCSS reviews the applicants’ income and expenses, and Tremblay says if the family/individual has no leftover funds for personal spending at the end of the month, they qualify to receive assistance.
Deadline to submit registrations to receive assistance is Dec. 5.
Donations can be dropped off at ATB, the FCSS office, or Red Apple.
“There are Santa boxes around the region that people can put monetary donations in,” says remblay.
“If you want a donation receipt the Town of Falher will accept donations over $20, and the Knights of Columbus holds a turkey bingo to raise funds for the program.”
Tremblay says the vouchers will be handed out on Dec. 16 and Dec. 18 at the Town of Falher office and Dec. 15 at the Town of McLennan office.
“Last year, we had 36 vouchers handed out but we never know from year to year how many to expect,” she says.
“We just anticipate that there will be higher numbers this year, as people are struggling with the rising prices of everything.”
Tremblay says the program is vital to help people who are struggling feel like they can still have a little Christmas joy.
“It is never right to feel that one has to choose between providing the necessities and paying bills, over buying gifts and a meal for your family,” Tremblay says.
“No one should be without something at Christmas. If you are lucky enough to have extra at this time of year, you should share the wealth. Christmas is about giving and sharing, whether you believe in Santa or Christ it is the right thing to do.”
Tremblay says the vouchers help provide families the chance to buy food they require for the holidays. She says children also receive gifts and the Jean Cote Quilters donate handmade quilts that are handed out to different families every year. Donated handmade wood toys are also provided each year that are given out to families.
If you would like to donate to the Christmas Voucher program, would like more information on the Fill-A-Sleigh Campaign, or would like to register for the program, please phone FCSS at (780) 837-2220.
Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter