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Need expected to grow for 25th year of Angel Tree campaign

Nov 15, 2017 | 10:27 AM

LETHBRIDGE – Christmas may be a time of joy, but for some, it’s when need is most felt. And that need is growing.

Last year, the Angel Tree Christmas Campaign provided gift bundles to 2,127 children in Lethbridge. Sandra Mintz, CEO of Lethbridge Family Services, expects the number to be a little higher this year, the 25th year of the campaign.

“Anecdotally, even just being out in the Lethbridge community, talking to people and going to markets, I’ve been asking business owners how business has been,” she said at the launch Wednesday at St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary School. “And they’re saying that people are spending less this year. So we do anticipate that the need will be greater.”

Donations and gifts are being accepted at Angel Tree drop-off locations around the city through Dec. 20. People can pick up an angel at one of the locations, then buy a toy and bring it in. Gift bundles will be delivered to homes. Last year 57 referral agencies were involved.

Volunteer help is also being accepted. People can join the effort by contacting any LFS office.

“We had 240 volunteers last year, and they donated 540 volunteer hours,” Mintz explained. “So that’s a big Santa’s Workshop operation, and we can use all the help we can get.”

During the launch, 1st Choice Savings, a partner of the campaign for 15 years, made a $5,000 donation.