(File Photo/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Holiday Spirit

‘Santa Anonymous’ back helping P.A. children enjoy upcoming holidays

Nov 23, 2021 | 9:00 AM

Toys are once again being collected in Prince Albert for children ahead of the holidays.

For the 60^th year in a row, the P.A. Optimist Club is hosting “Santa Anonymous” which aims to help fill the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hampers with presents.

Over the years, they’ve been able to collect between 1,200 to 2,000 toys.

In 2020, the program helped around 600 kids aged 0 to 12 enjoy the holidays.

“I haven’t gotten numbers for this year yet but I’m thinking it will probably be the same,” said Dave Markling, Chair of the P.A. Santa Anonymous project.

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Boxes have been set up at multiple locations including Canadian Tire, Walmart, Superstore, Winners, Art Hauser Center, CBI Health, South Hill Mall, Gateway Mall, and City Hall.

P.A. Raiders fans are also being encouraged to bring toys to the Art Hauser Centre on December 7 for “Santa Anonymous” night as they take on the Swift Current Broncos.

All toys will be collected at these boxes every few days.

Markling also told paNOW they’ll be collecting donations up to Christmas Day.

“Any toys that are collected usually in the last couple of days end up being used for emergency gifts.”

This includes families who forgot to sign up or ran into financial problems just before the holidays. Some toys may also be saved for next year’s program.

Meanwhile, those looking to take part in the Salvation Army’s Christmas Hampers program can reach out to the organization directly.

They’ll be accepting registration until November 24 with individuals needing to call 306-763-8436.

—

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow