By Andrew de Souza

Donations wanted for a Merry Christmas

Nov 26, 2010 | 11:05 AM

No child should have to go through the Christmas season without receiving a present, says Prince Albert Optimist Club secretary Jim Nicholson.

“There is a lot of needy kids,” said Nicholson. “There’s probably nothing worse than a kid waking up on Christmas morning, some poor kid not getting a toy.”

In order to ensure a toy for every child in need, 900 CKBI, the Prince Albert Optimists and the Prince Albert Salvation Army are hosting their annual Santa Anonymous toy drive.

Donation boxes, in the shape of houses are in 9 locations through the city until Dec. 24.

On that day, they’ll be delivered to the Salvation Army who will distribute them with their Christmas Hampers and at a special dinner they host each year.

Missing pet

'She means the world to our family': Woman seeks help in finding missing pet parrot

19h ago

BE CAREFUL ON THE ROADS

Semi flips outside P.A.; one of dozens of incidents on Sask. roads due to winter weather

19h ago

NO GO FOR BUSES

School bus routes outside P.A. canceled due to spring snowstorm

Apr 18, 2024

For Nicholson, seeing the joy the donations bring is best part of all the work that goes into the project.

“It’s quite thrilling to see, when you’re going with Salvation Army and they’re going out with the hampers and you see the kids and the families and getting them,” he said. “You think it was worth it.”

Toys for both boys and girls aged three weeks to 12 years are accepted. Clothes and cash donations are also acceptable and people can also volunteer their time.

In particular, Nicholson said, girls aged 10-12 end up having the least amount donations.

At the end of the drive however, the Optimist Club will always buy toys for the missing groups.

Money donated to the boxes goes to the Salvation Army.

Boxes are located at Walmart, South Hill Mall, the Central Ave. Co-Op, Zellers, The Gateway Mall, the Great Canadian Superstore, Canadian Tire, Sears and the 900 CKBI’s office at 1316 Central Ave.

adesouza@panow.com