UPDATE: This story now includes information on where to register for supports through the Christmas Hope Campaign.
For the 19th year, local non-profits are partnering to spread holiday cheer to those in need.
The Christmas Hope campaign launched Monday at Lethbridge City Hall, with representatives from the seven participating organizations in attendance. This year, the Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Organization is the newest partner in the multi-agency effort.
LSCO Executive Director Kaitlynn Weaver said joining Christmas Hope will allow isolated seniors, along with those experiencing financial hardship—whether due to losing a spouse or a shrinking circle of friends—to celebrate the season by receiving a gift. She said participating in the campaign also helps raise awareness of seniors’ needs during the holidays.
“We’re hoping that this will kind of spearhead a wave of support for seniors in the community,” Weaver said. “Typically, Christmas is really seen as a time for kids and families, which it definitely is. But the purpose of the LSCO being involved is just to remind folks that seniors are also looking to find joy in the Christmas season. And this is a great way to support that.”
City of Lethbridge Mayor Blaine Hyggen said the participation of both community organizations and residents shows the city’s compassion. He said in the past, people who used Christmas Hope services have reached out to express their gratitude for the impact on their holidays.
“To be able to hear things like that, it’s pretty heartwarming,” Hyggen said. “To have so many incredible organizations working together, because usually you’re working for your organization, but to have so many come together and be a team on this and build this each and every year, we’ve seen what it’s done.”
Accessing the Christmas Hope supports
The campaign is expected to serve 6,000 children and 3,000 adults this year. Partner agencies include LSCO, Lethbridge Food Bank, Interfaith Food Bank, the Salvation Army, Lethbridge Family Services, MyCityCare and Volunteer Lethbridge.
Through the Christmas Hope partnership clients will be connected with one food program and one gift program to support roughly 250 seniors, 3,000 adults and 6,000 children who need help this holiday season.
The Lethbridge Food Bank and Interfaith Food Bank will distribute Christmas hampers through the same process used for regular monthly hampers. People not already on file must present photo ID, an Alberta Health Care card, proof of address and income plus names and ages of all household members.
Gift programs under Christmas Hope include Salvation Army Toys for Tots, Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree and MyCityCare Shop of Wonders. Toys for Tots offers either pre-packaged gift bundles for infants to 18-year-olds or limited personal-shopping appointments for parents or guardians. Angel Tree provides bundled gifts for children from infancy to 18, delivered to families or through referral agencies. Shop of Wonders gives families a full shopping experience at “Shop of Wonders Toy Shop” by appointment — where they can select gifts free of charge, from stocking stuffers to presents, with free gift wrapping.
Agencies involved in Christmas Hope use a unified registration system so each household receives support only once. Families can sign up through any partner — their information is shared to ensure fair distribution of food hampers and gifts.
Detailed information on registration and campaign programs is available on the Christmas Hope website.
