Last Minute Push Helps Lethbridge Charities Christmas Campaigns – Lethbridge | The Canadian News

It all came to an end, but the Angel Tree campaign of Lethbridge Family Services (LFS) collected enough toys to cover their best effort.

Just 10 days ago, organizers were desperately looking for donations, with the shelves empty and 800 children still in need of Christmas packages.

“You look at the children’s lists and they are really simple wishes, it took my breath away because I was so upset,” said LFS Director of Advancement and Communications Michelle Gallucci. “So we asked for help and it came in droves.”

Support was not limited to Lethbridge. Angel Tree received donations from across southern Alberta, including places like Pincher Creek, Coaldale, and Medicine Hat, ensuring that each of the 3,271 children helped this year will have something under the tree on December 25.

“We needed, just for the 800 children, thousands of gifts to put together their gift packages, in addition to the people from Adopt-A-Family, so we received thousands of gifts,” Gallucci said.

2:09Lethbridge charities need community support to meet the holiday demand

For the Lethbridge Food Bank, the lead-up to the holiday season was day and night compared to 2020, with twice the number of events being held this year. CEO Mac Nichol said he gave his team the opportunity to engage with the city, something that has been difficult during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s great for a number of reasons. Obviously the funds and the food really help us to better deliver our services, but just being active in our community is something we really strive for, ”Nichol said.

“These events really give us the opportunity to be part of our community.”

The generosity exceeded Nichol’s expectations as the donations will carry over into the new year.

“We didn’t set a goal, we weren’t really sure what this year would look like… so we really just wanted to make sure we could cover our bases and get away from that point and actually we just hit it. from the park, ”Nichol said. “A lot of people came out and even to this day we have people walking through our door, wanting to donate.”

Showing a spirit of generosity has caused Lethbridge charities to express their gratitude.

“I think people came across childhood memories at Christmas and we are so grateful,” Gallucci said.

“Christmas is a million things to a million different people and for these children, it is hope.”