The donation bin for wrapped up for the Holidays at Gateway Mall. (Dawson Thompson/paNOW Staff)

By Dawson Thompson

Warming up the Holidays

Wrapped up for the Holidays returns

Nov 25, 2020 | 12:00 PM

Operation Christmas Child is going forward in Prince Albert, however Parkland Ambulance, who traditionally is involved with the annual toy drive will not take part this holiday season.

The community drop-off point for shoe boxes in Prince Albert is at Safeway, on 2nd Ave. For those who do not want to bring a box directly to the drop-off point can also build a shoe box online at the Operation Christmas Child website.

Lyle Karasiuk, director of public affairs for Parkland Ambulance explained the decision not to partake was made due to COVID-19.

“Parkland Ambulance for a number of years has been involved with Operation Christmas Child, but this year due to COVID we will not,” Karasiuk told paNOW.

Parkland Ambulance would like to return to being a drop-off point for shoe boxes next year.

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Despite not being involved this year, Parkland Ambulance is still running their regular Wrapped up for the Holidays blanket and winter clothing drive.

There are drop-off points for donations such as blankets, toques, gloves, jackets, and pants of all sizes across the city, at the Gateway Mall food court and at both Parkland Ambulance locations on 24th St. W. and 13th St. E.

A reminder, when taking items to the drop-off points keep all items in a bag so they remain clean, and do not get lost.

All donations will go towards the safe shelters at Our House, and Stepping Stone.

Edna Bruce, manager of Our House explained there have been plenty of requests for blankets already this year.

“When we get blankets donated, we have a lot people from the street come to our door,” Bruce said. “When people move out of our facility they are also supplied with bedding.

“We do have almost daily somebody coming to the door looking for a blanket.”

With plenty of need in the city for extra warmth to get through the winter, any donation can help make a big difference in somebody’s life.

Editor’s note: this story was amended to remove reference to the CTV Prince Albert location on 6th Ave. as a drop-off point. That is not the case.

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dawson.thompson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: dawsonthompson8