‘The need is still there:’ 49th Santas Anonymous kicks off

It’s not too late to land on Santa’s nice list or solidify your spot on it.

As Christmas approaches, Regina’s Santas Anonymous program is once again getting ready to deliver some cheer — and presents — to children.

The program collects new, unwrapped toys to make sure every kid has something to open on Christmas in the Queen City.

Salvation Army’s Val Wicks joined 980 CJME’s Greg Morgan Morning Show to discuss the 49th year of the program.

“It helps us so much,” she said.

Last year, Santas Anonymous handed out around 3,000 toys during the campaign, helping between 1,500 to 2,000 families. Wiks said she anticipates this year to be similar.

“The need is still there, people are struggling to make things go at Christmas,” Wiks said. “They can do it sometimes throughout the rest of the year, but just the added expense of Christmas, they just can’t do it.”

Wiks said people should focus on age groups when they are going out and buying gifts for Santas Anonymous. They are broken down into the following categories:

• Birth to 2-years-old
• Ages 3 to 5
• Ages 5 to 8
• Ages 8 to 12

The most sorely needed category for toys is for babies and children aged 10 to 12.

Organizers warn against people buying the season’s most popular toy. Salvation Army is looking for a value of about $20 per toy.

Santas Anonymous donation bins are out in malls and businesses. Wrap day will be on Dec. 15 at Regina Food Bank.