MyCityCare Okotoks is once again counting on the generosity of Foothills residents as it gets set to launch its Shop of Wonders this weekend.
The annual program relies on donations from the public in order to provide Christmas gifts for children in families that need some help this holiday season.
Lorna Jewer, director of MyCityCare Okotoks, said the number of families registering for the program keeps climbing daily.
“When we ran our numbers last week, we were at about 900 (children), which is more than double where we were last year at the same time, but registrations might slow, we don't know,” said Jewer. “We will top 1,000 for sure and last year we were around 1,300, and we'll probably go above that.”
Registration for the program is open to families in the Foothills with children up to 18 years and can be done at mycitycare.ca. Once families are registered, they will be able to book a time to visit the Shop of Wonders to pick out gifts for their children.
Jewer said drop-off locations have been set up throughout the area to allow the public to donate new, unwrapped toys and other gifts. She said teens are always the most difficult to shop for, but suggests Owala, Stanley or Yeti mugs, cologne and perfume as well as card and board games as possible gifts.
“Even things like sports equipment, like a hockey stick or a basketball or a soccer ball, those are always really appreciated and go really quickly,” she said.
Gifts can be dropped off at the following locations: Foothills Cleaners, MainStreet Market and More, Thrive Chiropractic, Brown Sugar Bake Shoppe, Eyes 360, McFarlane Agencies, Alberta Dance Academy, Momentum Physical Therapy, Okotoks PreSchool Academy, Staples, Pure Envy Salon Spa, Built Strong, F45, Canada Diagnostics, Yooneek Books, Complete Health, MCG Careers, Dynamic Physiotherapy, Okotoks Karate, ATB, Active Balance, CIR Realtors, Emergency Services and Next Gen Daycare.
The program wraps up by Dec. 17, so the deadline to donate or register is the week prior. Jewer said given the Shop of Wonders opens this weekend, the sooner donations come in, the better, adding volunteers will go to the drop-off locations weekly to pick up gifts to replenish the shop.
Volunteers are also needed for decorating, setting up the shop, wrapping gifts, helping clients shop, restocking and more.
Jewer said the program is truly appreciative of all the support it receives to help families who are struggling to make ends meet.
“We believe that families shouldn't have to choose between getting their kids Christmas presents and putting dinner on the table or paying their monthly bills,” she said. "MyCityCare is here to help with the Christmas presents so parents don't have to worry about it.”
