A long-running program in Bashaw has made a return for the 2023 holiday season.
Santa’s Anonymous, a program designed to help those families in need, is run in partnership between Bashaw and District Support Services (BDSS) and the Basha Foodbank.
Those who are supported through the program receive gifts and a Christmas meal with all trimmings.
“Santa’s Anonymous receives a ton of local support,” said Sarah Unsworth, BDSS operations manager.
For those interested in supporting the community program, contact BDSS at 780-372-4074.
BDSS is able to accept in-kind, cash, or e-transfer donations.
Another way to assist is to pop into the office and grab an angel off of the 2023 Angel Tree, which is in the process of being set up.
Each angel will list the age and gender of a child needing a gift this Christmas, simply return the angel with an appropriate gift to ensure that all children have something to open on Christmas morning.
Applicants to the Santa’s Anonymous program are limited to Bashaw and the surrounding community, and applications need to be made in person, with photo identification before Dec. 8.
Santa’s Anonymous typically helps 30 to 40 families in the region every holiday season, though in 2022 that number spiked to 52.
With the current cost-of-living crisis affecting everything, Unsworth says she is unsure what to expect for 2023.
To help out, or possibly receive help, contact BDSS for more information.