Nearly twice as many Foothills families are being served by Baby It's Cold Outside (BCO) in the sixth rendition of its Christmas Feast this December.
"Last year we served 49 families in the Foothills and this year we're over 80," said founder Pamela Morgan. "That's pretty alarming. I think it should be alarming to people."
BCO is a non-profit which works to help those in need through various fundraising events, clothing and essential drives and more.
In particular, the organization works to provide aid to those experiencing homelessness and mental health concerns. It has been in the Foothills for 20 years.
This week, more than 40 volunteers will head to the Okotoks Sobeys to shop the lists of the BCO families, which will then be delivered to their homes alongside gifts.
The BCO Christmas Feast is different, according to Morgan, because a co-ordinator works closely with the family to find out exactly what their traditions are when it comes to the holiday meal; every delivery is not one-size-fits-all.
"We support tradition, culture, allergies, so we really build out a menu with each family," she said.
Morgan said deliveries of Christmas meal ingredients and presents will be made on Dec. 23, just in time for the holiday.
Families, couples and individuals can be referred to the program through local agencies, nominated by a member of the community, or self-referred. This year, at least two receiving families are mourning the loss of a loved one by suicide.
This should serve as a reminder to the community that no one truly knows what goes on behind closed doors, Morgan said.
"I just think we really need to recognize you don't know who's living next door to you and what they're going through," she said. "Check in on your neighbours."
An extra surprise will be dropped off at the home of a family who suffered a devastating loss this year; Morgan said the Okotoks Chamber of Commerce and Community Futures Highwood Avenue of Trees' submission was graciously donated to the family.
"We're delivering the Christmas tree, the dinner, all the traditions that they have and all the presents," she said. "So, they're going to have an extra special Christmas."
In one final push before delivery day, BCO elves partnered with the folks at Okotoks Chevrolet Buick GMC to collect new toys for the families in need by 'stuffing the truck' and 'tapping for toys' on Dec. 16.
