Santa’s Anonymous anticipates an increase in the need for hampers during its annual Christmas drive.
The charity supports Banff and Lake Louise families, seniors and individuals in need during the winter holiday season.
“We try to put in about 140 hampers, but this year there will be more,” said Tina Fields, Santa’s Anonymous coordinator. “Every year we see more and more families, we are always seeing more of a need for family hampers, for sure.”
The Santa’s Anonymous campaign runs from Nov. 30 until Dec. 18 and is accepting cash donations, toys and gifts.
The Christmas Hamper application deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 9, and forms can be picked up at Banff Town Hall or downloaded online at banff.ca/santas.
“I think the goal of the campaign has always been to ensure that everyone in Banff and Lake Louise … gets to enjoy their Christmas day and Christmas evening just like everyone else,” said Fields.
“With the cash donations we like to buy fresh produce. We don’t accept any non-perishable (food items) anymore … just to make sure all the hampers have more of a healthy choice is what we’re trying to promote.”
Fields added if they do receive non-perishable food items, they would be donated to the Banff Food Bank.
Santa’s Anonymous will additionally hand out local grocery store gift cards to applicants, so families, seniors and individuals can purchase their own needs.
In partnership with the Christmas Toy Drive, donations can be dropped off at ATB Financial in Cascade Plaza and town hall.
One of the main drivers for Santa’s Anonymous is a strong volunteer base, which Fields said they are always in need of.
“We wouldn’t be able to do this without the volunteers and businesses in the community… there’s an extensive list of people who come together and make this happen,” Fields said.
“The whole community seems to come together every year for Santa’s.”
For more information, please call 403-762-1251.
