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Santa's Anonymous brings help to those in need

As the holiday rush hits, Westlock Family Community Support Services (FCSS) is about to launch its annual Santa's Anonymous toy drive to ensure very child has a gift under the tree Christmas morning.
Westlock FCSS program assistant Bonnie Breadon (l) and program coordinator Carol Kassian show off a Santa’s Anonymous donation bin that will be placed in business
Westlock FCSS program assistant Bonnie Breadon (l) and program coordinator Carol Kassian show off a Santa’s Anonymous donation bin that will be placed in business locations throughout town.

As the holiday rush hits, Westlock Family Community Support Services (FCSS) is about to launch its annual Santa's Anonymous toy drive to ensure very child has a gift under the tree Christmas morning.

While FCSS takes donations for the effort all year round, the organization holds off the main thrust of its campaign until Remembrance Day.

'Our donation tins and tubs are going out this week, " said FCSS program coordinator Carol Kassian.

'It's timely because this week is also Christmas Light Up."

The official sign-up date for families wanting help is Nov. 21 at the FCSS Office, though applicants in the town, county and Village of Clyde have until Dec. 8 to put their names in.

The limits are $19,056 for a single person and $23,212 or a couple with no children. A single parent with one child is eligible up to $26,023, with two children it's $31,010, three children is $36,325 and four children is $41,957.
A couple with one child is eligible up to an income of $31,237, two children is $36,634 and three children $41,594.
Each addition child increases the allowable income by $4,973 and each additional adult increases it by $9,326. FCSS does require that applicants bring a notice of assessment to demonstrate need.

Last year, FCSS received over 130 applications for Santa's Anonymous and families normally receive their gifts by Dec. 20 or 21.

Cash donations are also welcome as FCSS purchases gift cards to assist in putting together a Christmas dinner.

While the organization is happy to accept all toy donations, FCSS is requesting more toys for kids ages 12 and up, noting that they usually end up with an excess of toys for younger children.

A separate, but closely tied-in program to Santa's Anonymous that FCSS runs, is Adopt a Family. Kassian said that businesses interested in contributing to that program should contact her at the FCSS office.

'A number of groups will, instead of exchanging Christmas presents, chip in to sponsor a family," she said.

'We'll select a family and match them up with a adopter. It helps people to be specific when they purchase a gift specific to the family that's been adopted."

Anyone wanting to make a donation is asked to have them in by Dec. 12. Donations can be made at various bins around town or at the FCSS office located at 10004 107 St.

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