The Whistler Community Services Society is gearing up for Christmas, but needs some help from locals. The WCSS goal this year is to raise $6,000 for its Santa’s Helper fun, to help cover the cost of Christmas dinners, turkeys, food staples, presents for kids and gifts for parents. Donations of cash, food, toys, and gift certificates are welcome, although cash gives the WCSS the greatest flexibility to provide what is needed. This year Trilogy and the Marketplace Merchants Association have donated a space above McDonald’s for use as a Christmas Donation Centre for the Santa’s Helper program. The WCSS will be able to collect donations, wrap and sort presents and stuff hampers all from one location. As of Dec. 3 the WCSS will be set up at the new location. The office will be open from Tuesday to Friday, Dec. 3-17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Donations outside of those times (but before 5 p.m.) can be left at the Whistler Question office in Marketplace. The Santa’s Helper hotline at the temporary office will be 938-0332. WCSS also suggests that Christmas parties may a great way to contribute to the Santa’s Helper program. Party goers may be asked to contribute a gift or donation. Last year WCSS delivered 20 hampers to families in Whistler, added some items to the food bank and donated $2,000 to the Christmas funds of the Mount Currie, D’Arcy and Seton bands. WCSS is registering recipients of Christmas hampers up until Dec. 1. To register or for further information call 932-0133. Also, the Marketplace Merchants will be providing a free photo session with Santa Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proceeds will go to the WCSS Santa’s Helper program. Great Games and Toys will be offering 20 per cent off the retail price of gift certificates purchased for the Santa’s Helper program. Christmas gift wrapping will be available for free (or a donation) on the weekend of Dec. 21-22.
