The roadways are getting busier, and there seems to be more people in the shops. Yes, the annual holiday rush is upon us.
It’s only going to get more hectic as the holidays approach.
But maybe spare a thought for a local volunteer organization that will ensure hundreds of kids know a little bit of the magic of Christmas.
The Langley Christmas Bureau, operating this year out of the former legion on Eastleigh Crescent, does its work in the weeks before Christmas.
Because of when the holiday falls this year – Sunday, Dec. 25 – the bureau must work its magic sooner than normal.
There’s lots of ways to help. The office accepts donations, of gifts for children ages birth to 18, as well as financial contributions. People can also sponsor a particular family and are given basic details about the number of children and their genders to help with gift buying.
People can make donations at the Gifts for Kids display at Willowbrook Shopping Centre, and various concerts and events around the community during the season support the bureau.
The bureau’s toys and gifts, along with the books provided by the Langley Literacy Network and PJs from the Pajama Drive, will be handed out Dec. 12, 13 and 14. The bureau provides gifts for children who live in Langley. Families needing assistance can find the application information as well, there’s lots of answers to questions on donations, sponsorship, hours of operation and more online at langleychristmasbureau.com.
After Toy Depot Days, the volunteer Santa’s helpers pack up the office until next Christmas.
Anyone thinking of supporting the Langley Christmas Bureau (which is entirely volunteer run) needs to get into the holiday spirit sooner rather than later.
– H.C.