The Christmas Bureau is still in need of support and is about 10% behind in monetary donations this year.

Treasurer Dorothy Asmundson said money is always a good donation along with toys for kids in the area.

“All the items stay local and because our toy donations seem to be down this year it will take more of our money to find those gifts,” said Asmundson.

She also said, along with president Bev Hanes, that the older teens are some of the hardest to buy for and they see the fewest donated items.

“The older kids want the electronics and the specific items,” said Asmundson.

Some of the items that were mentioned specifically for the older kids included electronics for both genders, and cosmetics and bathroom items like curlers, blow driers and flat irons for the girls.

Many families allow their own young children to choose a gift to donate, which is part of the reason that Asmundson said they see a lot of toys for young children and not teens.

“They pick something fuzzy or cute, something for their age range and not the older kids,” said Asmundson.

Hanes said people could also already be looking at post-Christmas donations including things like wrapping paper, trees, bulbs, lights and ornaments.

“Every little thing helps. If people are downsizing or moving and don’t want these items they can bring them here,” said Hanes.

The Red Deer Christmas Bureau has been in existence in some form for 50 years and Hanes said they have become an important fixture in the community.

The Christmas Bureau is recognized for collecting and distributing donations of food and toys to families in the City who would otherwise not have the financial means with which to share in a special holiday with their families.

“Whether they’re lower income or something has happened in their lives they can come apply and we provide them with a hamper of food for a week near Christmas and gifts for their families,” said Hanes.

Hanes explained that the Christmas Bureau was started by a group of firemen in the City who initially began by refurbishing old and unwanted toys to give out to local children at Christmas.

The idea of providing toys to children who otherwise might get nothing flourished and the Christmas Bureau has grown ever since.

“We definitely appreciate all the donations we do get and when people think of us. We wouldn’t be here supporting the community if the community didn’t support us,” said Hanes.

Another thing that Asmundson said could be donated to the Bureau are gift cards to different stores and in different denominations. They aren’t something the Bureau would choose, but they do make an easy option for the young teens that otherwise are hard to buy gifts for.

“We definitely appreciate our donors and notice those who keep coming back. We get new donors all the time but we recognize those who have been doing this for a number of years,” said Asmundson.

For more information on the Christmas Bureau visit www.reddeerchristmasbureau.cfsites.org.

kpalardy@reddeerexpress.com