The Red Deer Christmas Bureau is now in its 63rd year of serving Central Alberta, and the need for your help and donations is the biggest ever.
Last year 899 food hampers were needed. Teresa Kutynec, the President of The Red Deer Christmas Bureau says that number will be even bigger this year.
"We're going to be busier this year for sure. We have lots of new people, that we haven't haven't seen before. I think we'll probably do maybe an extra 100 and be right around that 1000 mark."
The Red Deer Christmas Bureau is a 100% volunteer charity and Kutynec says they are always looking for more help.
"We have a really good base of regulars that are always here donating their time, but we always need spots for volunteers to come for other things that we're doing, like our fundraisers on the weekend and offseason programs."
On top of the hamper program, The Red Deer Christmas Bureau takes in donations of toys, and Winter wear. These can be dropped off at many locations including both shopping malls in Red Deer, Winners, Marshalls, and many schools in the area take donations as well.
Since 2002 they have distributed 20,915 hampers to Red Deer, Red Deer County, Spring Brook, and Penhold. The hampers will be distributed over two days. They also work closely with other organizations such as churches, CCS, The Mental Health Association, The Salvation Army and The Outreach Centre.
If you would like more information on donating or volunteering for The Christmas Bureau, you can call them at 403-347-2210, or email them at reddeerchristmasbureau@gmail.com
Sunny 94 will be doing a broadcast on December 12th for The Christmas Bureau. Sunny 94 is once again doing our Silver Bells Hamper program for families in need. If you would like to donate please click here.