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Angel Tree volunteers at the 2021 kickoff event. (Lethbridge News Now)

Angel Tree Christmas Campaign kicks off, estimated 2,900 children will benefit

Nov 12, 2021 | 2:10 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Christmas is quickly approaching and volunteers want to ensure that every child will find gifts under the tree.

The 2021 Angel Tree Christmas Campaign has officially kicked off.

The drive sees community members and companies donate toys, clothes, and other gifts to families in need.

Lethbridge Family Services CEO Sandra Mintz says it’s a tall order as an estimated 2,900 children aged 0-18 will benefit from the initiative.

In order to do that, they will need more than 12,000 gifts or cash equivalents. That would be enough to fully stock their Angel Tree Toy Depot at the Melcor Centre eight times.

Volunteers will make bundles from collected items, valued at a total of approximately $60-$80 each for children, containing:

  • Something on their wish list
  • Something inspirational to fuel their imaginations
  • Something educational to nourish their minds
  • Something warm and fuzzy

The campaign is already off to a strong start.

At the official launch event Friday morning, 1st Choice Savings and Credit Union presented a cheque for $6,000. The financial institution has had an ongoing partnership with Angel Tree for the last 19 years.

1st Choice Savings and Credit Union donates $6,000 to Angel Tree. (Lethbridge News Now)

Mintz says the overall levels of community support has only grown in that time.

“101 businesses, schools, and organizations have agreed to collect and donate gifts to Angel Tree. 101 – that’s really something. We have been receiving blankets, quilts, mitts, scarves, and toys for months now and this is just the beginning.”

If your family would like to receive an Angel Tree gift bundle, registrations are open until November 30. However, they will not turn away any applications received after that date.

To learn more about Angel Tree, how to make donations, or how to receive gifts, go to the Lethbridge Family Services’ website here.