It’s no small task rounding up enough toys to ensure every child in Fort Macleod has a present to open on Christmas morning.
Sharon Brown is confident residents will help the Heart of Fort Macleod program deliver on that goal.
“They always do,” said Brown, director of Fort Macleod Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). “It’s amazing to me how generous people in Fort Macleod and area.”
The Heart of Fort Macleod program, operating through the FCSS office, is accepting donations of unwrapped toys until Friday, Dec. 12.
To date, 26 families have registered for help from the Heart of Fort Macleod, and Brown expects that number will top the 35 families helped last year.
“I think a lot of folks are just trying to make ends meet, and to buy a Christmas present on top of it is not in the budget at all,” Brown said Friday.
Families who could use help from Heart of Fort Macleod are asked to register at the FCSS office by Friday, Dec. 5.
The gifts will be handed out on Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 17-18.
There are several ways people can help.
“Hearts” listing the ages and gender of children needing a gift can be picked up at The Vault at the corner of Main Street and Second Avenue. That allows people to shop for age-appropriate gifts.
Gifts will be collected at the Empress Theatre prior to the free screening of The Best Christmas Pageant Ever on Saturday, Nov. 29, following the Santa Claus Parade.
Donations of toys, along with non-perishable food items for the food bank, can be dropped off at the Community Christmas Dinner on Friday, Dec. 5 at the community hall.
On Saturday, Dec. 6, the Red Apple store in Fort Macleod will donate proceeds from every gift purchased to the Heart of Fort Macleod program.
Red Apple will also collect donations to the Salvation Army food bank on Dec. 6.
People can also deliver gifts directly to the FCSS office in the G.R. Davis Administration building on 20th Street.
Brown said this year there is a special need for gifts for toddlers and teenagers.
The Heart of Fort Macleod is also accepting monetary donations to buy grocery gift cards for families.
The Heart of Fort Macleod provided the following list of gift ideas:
Toddlers aged 1–3 years
- • Board books and bath books.
- Stacking toys, blocks, or shape sorters.
- Plush toys and soft dolls.
- Musical or light-up toys.
- Ride-on or push toys.
- Winter hats, mittens, and cozy sleepers.
- Little outfits (sizes 2T–4T).
Children aged 4–7 years
- • Lego and building sets.
- Art and craft kits, playdough, coloring supplies.
- Cars, trucks, dinosaurs, or animal figures.
- Puzzles and games.
- Superhero, Paw Patrol, Bluey, or Minion items.
- Stuffed animals and character pillows.
- Books or early reader sets.
Children aged 8–12 years
- • Lego, STEM or science kits, slime kits.
- Board games and card games.
- Art supplies or sketchbooks.
- Books or comic books.
- Sports balls or outdoor toys.
- Pokémon, Minecraft, or superhero items.
- Cozy blankets, slippers, or pajamas.
Teens aged 13–17 years
- • Gift cards (stores, movie theatres, fast food restaurants, coffee shops, etc.).
- Bluetooth speakers, earbuds, or accessories.
- Hair or beauty sets, make-up, skin care.
- Hoodies, socks, or cozy wear (unisex options are great).
- Journals, art supplies, or books.
- Anime and fandom merchandise (My Hero Academia, Demon Slayer, etc.).
- Board games, puzzles, or card games.
- Reusable water bottles, mugs, or tumblers.
For more information, contact Sharon Brown at 403-553-4491.
