The colder months and holiday season can be a tough time for many, so United Way Central Alberta is reminding area residents about their 211 phone service.  

It's a 24 hour, free to call service, with trained information and referral specialists that provide detailed information on health, social services, government services and not for profit supports available.  

United Way CEO Robert Mitchell said it's also a multilingual service, available in over 250 languages.

“It can be helpful to people who are new to the community, such as refugees or immigrants. They can call and dial in a language service right away, so that’s one of the big advantages over the website. The website is there as well which is ab.211.ca but of course it’s in English.”

211 can help you find community organizations that may provide donated toys for Christmas, holiday meals, winter coats, utility bill relief, grocery shopping support, snow removal for seniors and much more.