Many hands make light work and fulfilling work makes happy hearts.
That's the general feeling among volunteers at Magic of Christmas Foothills, who were busy packing and wrapping this week in preparation for the arrival of more than 200 families from Okotoks, High River and Black Diamond on Saturday.
The not-for-profit organization helps referred families who are struggling emotionally and/or financially during the holiday season. On Dec. 17, bags of wrapped gifts, toys and household items will be distributed at St. James Parish in a drive-thru style format initially adopted during the pandemic.
Jennifer Weisgerber, the organization's chair, said referrals have increased from last year for a number of reasons, particularly current economic conditions.
Several of this year's referred families are also Ukrainian immigrants.
"We get referred families that are in need, sometimes it's emotionally, financially, sometimes they've lost a loved one in the family," she explained. "So they don't really need the gifts per se but they need the joy."
Despite tough economic times, Weisgerber said the organization had no trouble collecting donations for its initiative.
"The communities have been super generous this year," she said.
Throughout the year, nearly 100 people give their time to the cause – collecting and organizing donations, sorting, wrapping, delivering and more.
Students and hockey teams have also paid visits to the church to lend a hand.
Leyna Kachmarchuk has been involved with Magic of Christmas Foothills for years and typically lends her skills to wrapping
"I just think that there are some people out there who are not as fortunate as myself, so why not?" she said.
The non-profit originated in Calgary in 1983 and was adopted in the Foothills nearly 20 years ago.
For more information about its initiatives or to make a donation, visit themagicofchristmas.org/foothills.
