'No one will go without': Lethbridge's Christmas Hope campaign enters final days

LETHBRIDGE — A trailer load of donated toys is helping the Angel Tree campaign cross the finish line with less than a week to go until Christmas.

"A week ago, College Ford Lincoln told me they had $15,000 to spend on toys that would help us finish our campaign," said Michelle Gallucci, director of advancement and communications with Lethbridge Family Services (LFS).

With that money, College Ford Lincoln employees took a shopping trip to buy those last-minute toys and dropped them off at the Angel Tree on Thursday afternoon.

"Our whole team is just grateful to have the opportunity to help those out who are in need this year," said Derek Stimson Jr., assistant general manager of College Ford Lincoln.

"Nobody wants to have a bad Christmas and giving back to the community is one of the most passionate things we are all about."

Thursday marks the final push for this year's Christmas Hope campaign to help 10,500 individuals in need.

Those with the Interfaith Food Bank, Lethbridge Food Bank, Volunteer Lethbridge, LFS, MyCityCare and the Salvation Army are optimistic that goal will be met.

"We see the anticipation for Christmas as it comes through and to be able to help families who (otherwise wouldn't) have the opportunity to buy toys or other things for their kids at Christmas, it is so special for our team to just be able to help in that way," said Lt. Zach Marshall, community ministries officer with the Salvation Army Lethbridge.

While donations have been slower because of the affordability crisis and the Canada Post strike, Marshall says that hasn't stopped the community from stepping up.

"Here at the Salvation Army, we have helped over 500 children with Christmas toys, which went a little bit above and beyond of what we were expecting even," he said.

Most organizations with the Christmas Hope campaign will wrap up this weekend but those involved are ready to help anyone in need right until the end.

"No one will go without Christmas this year," Gallucci said.