Need help during the holidays? Organizations help make season brighter

Being a student with a limited budget can be challenging during the holiday season. The excitement can lead the thriftiest among us to spend more than planned.

To avoid putting your finances and your education at risk, be a little creative about inexpensive gift giving. Perhaps you can give of your time — make a meal, shovel a sidewalk, run errands for a friend — or make something by hand.

If you need extra help with gifts and groceries during the holidays, there are community agencies which can assist.

SALVATION ARMY

Phone: 403-346-2251
Hours: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed from 12 p.m.-1 p.m.)
Deadline: Applications accepted between November 14-December 9
Required:  Interest list, picture ID, AB Health Care numbers, previous months household income and expenses including current rent receipts & utilities, and custody papers if applicable   Residents of Red Deer only.
Who Can Apply: Single and dual parents with children and seniors

SYLVAN LAKE CHRISTMAS BUREAU

Phone: 403-391-3338
Registration: November 12 from  10 a.m.- 2 p.m. & 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Pickup: December 16 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
Required: AB Health Care cards, rental or mortgage agreement, picture ID with address
Who can apply: Residents of Sylvan Lake and the surrounding area, must have children age 17 and under

FILL A FRIDGE

(formerly known as Lacombe Christmas Food Certificate Fund)
Phone: 403-782-6637
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. (closed 12:30-1:30)
Deadline: Fill out a Santas Anonymous application for kids under 14 from November 14 to December 14
Required:  Income Tax notice of  assessment, AB Health Care cards for all family members
Who can apply: Residents of Lacombe and the County of Lacombe

WOMEN’S OUTREACH

Phone: 403-347-2480
Hours: Monday to Friday 8:15 a.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Deadline: Go to the Women’s Outreach to fill out an application November 1- December 14
Required:  AB Health Care cards for all family members, proof of income, and proof of address
Who can apply: Single parent (Mom or Dad) and they do not restrict to Red Deer residents
Children must be with parent at Christmas (Can apply every 3 years)

INNISFAIL CHRISTMAS BUREAU

(in the Henday Mall – old Tiki Hut location)
Phone: Jane at 403-505-0168
Hours : Mondays  from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. and Wednesdays from 2 p.m.-4 p.m. starting November 16
Deadline: December 12
Required:  AB Health Care card, proof of Innisfail residency, and proof of income
Who can apply: Residents of Innisfail and Spruceview area

RED DEER CHRISTMAS BUREAU

Phone: 403-347-2210
Hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday – Friday
Deadline: Go to Bay 15, 7428-49 Ave  from November 7 to December 15
Required:  AB Health Care card, proof of income, proof of residency, photo ID, one month bank statement
Who can apply: Residents of Red Deer, Red Deer County, Springbrook and Penhold