Santa’s Anonymous has begun collecting toy donations this year for families in need in Lacombe.  President of the Lacombe’s Kinsmen Club, Craig Darrell is expecting a bit more demand this year because of COVID-19.

This year there is a need for more teen items. Teenagers are often thought of as more difficult to shop for but Darrell has a few ideas.

“Gift cards are always great, so then if they're looking for clothes, that type of thing, they can find stuff that fits them and those things. Also, earbuds are good for the girls and hair dryers, curling irons and make-up kits. That kind of thing is always in high demand. Anything to do with sports or hockey always seems to be in pretty high demand,” explained Darrell.

You can make a gift donation at several locations in the city including the following:

  • Home Hardware
  • Bank of Montreal
  • Red Hot Threads
  • Farm Credit Union
  • Red Apple
  • Lacombe Audio and Video Unlimited
  • Lacombe Pets, Hobbies N’ Toys
  • Peavey Mart
  • LA Carpet and Tile
  • Red's Sports

Additionally, you can provide toy donations or cash donation at the Lacombe FCSS office at the Lacombe Memorial Centre or online.

Santa’s Anonymous will be implementing a few new protocols with COVID-19 to keep volunteers and families safe.

“We are of quarantining the toys when they're brought in. All the toys are fogged and anyone that enters the building is following all COVID-19 protocols and wearing mask, hand sanitizing, and all of those fun things,” added Darrell.

This year, donations are needed more than extra volunteers.They will be collecting toys right up until Christmas. Santa's Anonymous is trying to reduce the number of people handling the items because of the global pandemic. 

Darrell looks forward to working with the community for this worthwhile cause.

“Thanks to the community for supporting us for all these years. We look forward to making Christmas special this year for kids.”

If you’re interested in getting some help from Santa’s Anonymous this year you can fill out an application here. The deadline for the application is December 17th, 2020.