It's no secret the Christmas season can be a stressful and trying time for individuals and families taking on increased financial burdens.

Lacombe and District FCSS have been hard at work trying to lighten the load, thanks to two annual Christmas campaigns, 'Fill a Fridge' and 'Santa's Anonymous'.

Jan Pocock with FCSS explains how 'Fill a Fridge' works.

“Families apply and they are given a certificate to use at the top 3 stores here in town, the top 3 grocery stores, as well as some of our outlying district grocery stores and they get to go to the grocery store and choose the food that they want to feed their family.  So we’re not filling a hamper and making the decision for the family what they need to eat at Christmas time their actually deciding for themselves”.

Once again Lacombe and area has stepped up to help support the program and a slightly higher need this year according to Pocock.

“We have helped 295 adults and 251 children for a total of 546 of our neighbours who have access to the Fill a Fridge program this year”.

The Lacombe Kinsmen Club along with Santa and the elves are currently busy delivering gifts to 208 children as part of the 'Santa's Anonymous' program, ensuring they have gifts under the tree to open Christmas morning.

Pocock says it was truly heartwarming to see donation bins overflowing with toy donations.

“It brings tears to my eyes every single year.  We’re just so blessed that we live in this amazing community where we have so many generous individuals who always step up and help us meet the need here in our neighbourhood.  I’m just so proud to be a member of this community”.