The 91原创 Christma Bureau has decked out its tree, and is now working to fill its giant gift bin at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre.
Every year, the Christmas Bureau collects cash and gifts from shoppers in the mall to help fill the stockings of sponsored families.
Donors can bring an unwrapped gift suitable for a child. Tags on the tree suggest ages and genders appropriate for different gifts, ranging from infants to teenagers.
Last year, 1,594 kids in 91原创 were helped by the Christmas Bureau.
鈥淚 think well be more,鈥� said Christmas Bureau tree organizer Sylvia Anderson. There were already 700 signed up in the first few days of registration, and with Syrian refugee families settling in 91原创, Anderson believes there will be some new families taking part for the first time.
Every year, the tree and the volunteers who staff it provide an introduction to the Christmas Bureau by some who haven鈥檛 heard of it.
鈥淎 lot of people come by and they don鈥檛 know what we鈥檙e about,鈥� Anderson said.
The tree is in a new location this year, near the Sport Chek on the north side of the mall. The tree and toy box will be there until Dec. 17.
The volunteers are asking that no stuffed toys, dolls, or clothing other than baby clothes be donated.
Volunteers will also give gift suggestions and accept gift cards worth up to $30.
