Shoppers have an opportunity to partner with The Red Apple in Virden for their Fill a Sleigh campaign. The store will make their own contribution based on toy purchases.
The proceeds go to Virden and Area Christmas Cheer hampers - gifts for girls and boys.
The gift drive began on Nov. 16 and as of Monday, Dec. 3, store manager Marilee Coulter reported that contributions are down from last year. There’s room in the sleigh for many more gifts, she says adding, “But, we still have a few days left.”
Fill a Sleigh Day on Saturday, Dec. 7 is the last day to give a gift for the Sleigh. From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. it’s an in-store event – coffee’s on and the cookie jar is open.
For kids, there’s face painting. Santa and the beautiful red Sleigh will be there. There’s a contest as well. When kids bring in their Letter to Santa, they get to enter a draw for a gift basket.
Some Oil Capitals hockey players will be on hand to help load the gifts and deliver them to Christmas Cheer.
“It’s going to be a fun day. And the best part about it – 10 per cent of all toys purchased will be given back to the store from head office, so that it will go directly to Christmas Cheer. And that is huge.”
As far as gift ideas go, Coulter says, “We’re really focusing a lot on the ‘Tweens – that nine to 14-year-old group.” At that age, things like hair dryers, head phones, wallets, purses, and such become important. Even mitts, toques or a drone would be appropriate.
“Our staff is working really hard,” says Coulter, “This event couldn’t happen without them.”
