ESTEVAN — The Estevan Community Hamper Association and the Angel Tree program are bringing joy to hundreds of local families this Christmas, as they wrap up another season of giving.
The programs, which provide Christmas hampers and gifts to families in need, are concluding their efforts with the Toy Store open to parents Dec. 16-17, and hamper pick-ups scheduled for Dec. 19-20.
This year's campaign saw an outpouring of support from the Estevan community, allowing organizers to assist around 310 families and approximately 450 children, which is a slight increase from last year's 410 kids and 293 hampers for families.
While toy donations exceeded expectations, financial contributions experienced a slight dip compared to previous years, organizers said. Despite these fluctuations, organizers ensured that every child would receive a thoughtful, beautifully wrapped gift, as well as a filled stocking stuffer, and all families that applied would receive a festive food hamper arranged with help from the Â鶹´«Ã½AVern Plains Co-op.
"For 450 kids, you always have to fill some spots," said Jolie Bayda, co-chair of the programs. "Even last night (Dec. 15), we went to Walmart at 8 o'clock to grab some things for 10- to 13-year-old girls. … That's a tough age – some 10-year-olds still play with Barbies, and others want belly button rings. … It's a challenge every year [to have enough gifts] for both genders [in that age category]."
Those who need could also pick up handmade or store-bought toques and scarves. Handmade donations came from annual supporter Angela Brokenshire as well as from Bridget Thimsen. The Estevan Kinette Club continued its tradition of taking care of pyjamas for kids on the toy store list.
The hampers were organized a bit differently this year, and didn't contain any perishable food items, which meant they could be distributed earlier to bring joy to families.
Local businesses and organizations played a central role in the campaign's success. Soak in Style, Fired Up Grill, DMS and Walmart were the four community locations for the Angel Trees, with Soak and Style also trying to incentivize people to stop by with a toy donation by running a draw. Both the Shand Power Station and the Boundary Dam Power Station also had Angel Trees for their employees, while Estevan's first responders continued their annual support through initiatives like the RCMP and firefighters' toy drives, and the Estevan Police Servie's Pack the Cruiser event at local schools.
"These events are always big ones for us," said Bayda. "And they are always so much fun."
The Estevan Community Hamper and Angel Tree programs have been a pillar of support during the holiday season in the region for more than 30 years. Each year, they rely on a combination of monetary donations, toy contributions and volunteer support to meet the growing demand.
Despite the challenges of organizing such a large-scale effort, Bayda said the work is rewarding. She thanked everyone involved with the initiatives for their support.
"A huge thank you to the community, again, for always supporting us and stepping up when we need them. Thumbs up," Bayda said.
To learn more or support future campaigns, visit the programs' social media pages.
