Gifts for young children in Lethbridge are being collected as part of Annie Effect. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

‘Annie Effect’ collecting items for young children in memory of deceased daughter

Jun 19, 2024 | 12:59 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A local family is once again trying to help out as many children in need as possible.

Rebekah Olsen says her daughter Annie passed away in her sleep on October 6, 2022 at only four months old, and that June 20, 2024 would have been her second birthday.

“We aren’t able to have Annie here with us right now, we’re not able to shower her with gifts and love her and see her play with toys and blankets and diapers – we don’t get to change her diaper,” says Olsen. “I know there are lots of families out there who can be blessed because of Annie.”

For the Annie Effect gift drive, in partnership with Lethbridge Family Services (LFS), they are accepting any items that would be appropriate for a two-year-old child. Some items in greater need include diapers sized four-to-six, blankets, clothing, food and books.

LFS Director of Advancement & Communications Michelle Gallucci says they have received approximately 50 donated items so far. There were a couple hundred in last year’s drive.

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Gallucci adds that the items will be mainly given to families who are new to the city or country, noting that there are many this year.

“People come here with nothing so we want to provide them with things like diapers, baby wash, toys, blankets, and biscuits even. The rest, we save for Angel Tree because, last year, we had 800 zero-to-24 [month old] children that needed gift bundles and we ran out,” says Gallucci.

Olsen is planning to hold a birthday party in Annie’s memory from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 20 at Coulee Creek Park. Donations can be dropped off in the party area.

Otherwise, donations can be left at the Lethbridge Family Services office at 1107 2A Avenue North from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays. Monetary gifts are also accepted.

READ MORE: Lethbridge News Now

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