1. Why was this program developed?
Our agency used to have a Christmas tree program that encouraged community members to pick a tag off a tree and buy a gift for that unidentified child. After many years, that idea was replaced with a fresh new program that has proven to be a huge success. We wanted people in the community to have more options for becoming a sponsor, and to give them more detailed information about what kids are asking for this Christmas.
2. How are families are referred to this program?
Families who are receiving services from our Agency and are identified as families who will be struggling financially over the holidays, fill out an application with their worker. Workers ask the children in the family what kinds of things they would like to receive for Christmas. Many of these children consistently write their letters to Santa, but never receive anything on their "wish list", until this program was developed! Families are also identified by the community as families in need who may not be receiving services directly from our Agency. In some circumstances we have also considered these requests.
3. What Communities does this program service?
We cover the District of Timiskaming from Latchford to Matheson. Which include Belle Vallée, Cobalt, Earlton, Elk Lake, Englehart, Kirkland Lake, Larder Lake, Matachewan, Temiskaming Shores, Sesekinika, Virginiatown and everything in between.
4. What is a "Profile"?
Information that is on the application form that workers fill out with their families is re-written as a Non-Identifying Family Profile. The profile will tell you how many people there are in the family. It will describe a child in terms of their gender, age and their hobbies and interests.
5. What are my options for sponsoring a child or making a donation?
There are several ways this can be done. You may select a profile of a family that you would like to sponsor and then shop for the children on that profile. If you feel you can only provide for one or two children, pick a family that only has one or two! If you don't want to do the shopping for a family, we have the shoppers. You may make a financial donation and let us know if you want it to be used for a particular profile, and we'll shop for you, although that's not as much fun for you! You may also make financial donations to the program in general, which are used to buy gifts for families who may not have their profile sponsored. Those funds are also used to supplement those families who are experiencing extra difficulty over the holidays. You may also purchase gifts and drop them off at our offices listed under Contacts US. We will make sure that a child in need receives those gifts as well.
Businesses and Corporations are encouraged to get together and make a donation or sponsor a family as well!
6. How much money should I spend?
We are suggesting a limit of $75. We aim to provide the children with at least some of the items they are asking for this Christmas, but it is not necessary to buy everything on your profile.
7. What if my circumstances change and I can no longer shop for my Family Profile?
These things happen and we can't always predict them. Please advise us as soon as possible, so we can assign your family to someone else or do the shopping for that profile ourselves.
8. Where do I bring my gifts or donation?
Donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Timiskaming Child and Family Services office nearest you. Offices are listed under Contact US.
9. What other organizations are involved in this program?
The Christmas Angel Program is a program run by Timiskaming Child and Family Services. We do, however, meet with other organizations who run separate Christmas Programs early in the season, to discuss how we are going to work collaboratively to avoid duplicating services and to ensure no family is overlooked at Christmas.
10. Why do I need to provide my address and phone number?
For a few reasons. If you selected a profile and we haven't received your gifts past the deadline date, we will call you to make sure you are still able to sponsor your family. We also give families a blank Thank You card. This gives the chance for receiving families to thank their sponsors. Your name or address will not be given to the family! Thank You cards from families will be given to their worker and the agency will in turn mail it out to you.
11. Can I get an Income Tax receipt for my donation?
Yes. If you are making a financial donation we will issue a tax receipt for any amount over $10.00. Also, if you submit your receipts for your purchases and you request a tax receipt, we will issue it to you for gifts purchased. (Receipts are also handy in case after Christmas exchanges need to be made for a different size, etc.)
If I have additional questions who do I contact?
You may call either of the listed officed in Kirkland Lake, Englehart or New Liskeard and ask to speak to someone regarding the Christmas Angel Program. A committee member will be happy to answer your questions!
