The Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund is still requesting donations from community members as the numbers of local families in need increases.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com
As Dec. 25 drawers nearer, staff and volunteers at the Medicine Hat News Santa Claus Fund continue with efforts to provide Hatters in need with gifts and a hot meal at Christmas.
Just two days into intake, SCF has already connected with 159 families in need, including 355 children, and executive director Deanna Doerksen says those numbers will continue to rise as SCF prepares for its expected busiest year to date.
“We’re seeing lots of families that need a hand up this year,” Doerksen told the News on Tuesday. “And through the rest of the season, we’ll continue to see those numbers of families.”
Doerksen says inventory of toys and gifts remains stable, there is great need for select items, including hygiene products, stocking stuffers, gifts for girls ages 7-12, gifts for boys ages 10-12, gifts for babies aged 0-2 and books for teens.
SCF is also in need of cash donations which will go toward its grocery voucher program.
“We’re anticipating (we’ll provide a total of) $120,000 in grocery vouchers for our community,” said Doerksen, who confirmed more than $22,000 worth have already been distributed.
Hatters can show their support in a variety of ways, including at one of SCF’s many Holiday donation drive events, at the permanent after-hours donation drop-box outside the Medicine Hat News building, at any Medicine Hat Scotia Bank location or online.
“We’re just so fortunate that our community has provided the support so we can provide for these families,” said Doerksen.
Doerksen invites anyone struggling with the financial cost of the Holidays to connect with SCF during one of its upcoming intake days. Dates and times are available on mhsantafund.com.
