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By MaryHelen Swanson
LeeAnn Vande Kamp, head coordinator of the Anonymous Santa program, told the Post Review Tuesday morning that as of Monday night she had received 334 applications - 818 children - for the local children’s Christmas gift program.
“I would estimate this at a 25 percent increase over last year at this time.” she said, “and donations are slow coming in, which is expected.”
She said if you are looking for a local holiday project for children, and one that gives 100 percent of all donations directly to families in our community, then Anonymous Santa would be an excellent choice.
Everything collected from the community is given to families in the community.
Vande Kamp went on to say, “It is not surprising that this year’s holiday program is experiencing a significant increase in requests and that donations are slow coming in. For those families that are struggling financially and cannot afford to purchase gifts for their children, our program offers an opportunity for parents to select gifts for their children in a Holiday Store set up Dec. 11, 12 in the United Methodist Church in North Branch. Only new, non-violent toys and gifts are distributed along with mittens and hats, Christian books and videos, board games, sports balls and stocking stuffers.
“By donating to this program you can make a joyful difference to children in your community.”
Please consider Anonymous Santa when looking for an opportunity to help a local family this holiday. Toys and gifts may be dropped off at toy collection sites throughout the county or a donation may be mailed to Anonymous Santa, PO Box 901, North Branch, MN 55056. For more information call (612) 810-7823
Collection sites:
Chisago County Senior Center
A&C Automotive
Post Review office
LSFCU
People’s National Bank
Blockbuster
Peterson’s Country Store
NB Chamber office
Horizon Bank
Shopko
Associated Bank
United Methodist Church
Call the Santa Hotline: (612) 810-7823 to volunteer or with any questions.
Or e-mail:
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