This is the season of gift wrap and tinsel, packages of all shapes and sizes sitting under a tree, with a plate of cookies and a glass of milk nearby.
Christmas is almost upon us. That means that retail stores are in high gear as frantic shoppers hurriedly spend more than ever to make sure their loved ones know just how much they are loved, complete with a special receipt in case that fantastic gift of love isn't perfect enough.
The commercialism of the holidays means that banks and large loaning agencies are also eagerly anticipating next month's festive credit card bills.
Preventing sticker shock isn't as hard as one might expect. It does, however, take a change in thinking and shopping habits. For example, this newspaper could be recycled to make papier-mâché art projects. If you get home delivery of the Gazette (like 95 per cent of the city's residents do) then you haven't spent a thing.
It's not the cost of the gift, after all, it's supposed to be the love that's included with it.
If you're not a crafty person and you also want to demonstrate a little charity at the same time then there are still many options. Some people forgo presents in lieu of donations to social assistance agencies like the St. Albert Food Bank or Stop Abuse in Families.
Still, most people want to make sure their loved ones have a few interesting trinkets and toys under the tree. There are several places in St. Albert where the thrifty shopper can get gifts and otherwise satisfy all of their other holiday preparations. The best part is these second-hand stores still benefit various city charities, making it a rare win-win-win-win situation: consumer goods are kept in circulation and out of the landfill, the charities benefit from the fundraising, the bank account isn't hit so hard and there are still presents under the tree.
Here's a look at three local places of wonder, including a brief profile of what you can find at each volunteer-run outfit, the community organizations behind them and their various programs.
SHAVA Bookstore
The Sturgeon Hospital Auxiliary Volunteer Association doesn't just have a gift shop (The Cat's Whiskers) inside the hospital itself. The 42-year-old fundraising support group has been selling used books since 1986, most of that time in the city's only used bookstore, located in donated space in Grandin Mall.
The SHAVA Bookstore is a wonderland with thousands of great titles, enough to satisfy bibliophiles of any age or interest, and the prices are right. Most items cost $2 or less and there's a half-price special on a different section every month. This month, it's on the Christmas books.
Gift certificates in $1 denominations can be a great stocking stuffer for that special someone who always has their nose in a new novel.
With volunteers running the place, the store does amazing business selling these reasonably priced reads. Jackie White, the organization's president, said that they raise an average of $6,000 each month. That money goes toward supporting more than 20 of the hospital's programs, as well as funding much needed equipment like patient lifts.
"We work to provide the added touch," she explained, referencing her group's motto. "We provide quite a lot to the hospital, staff and patients. It's very important."
When asked how things would change if the store wasn't in operation, she became aghast.
"I don't even want to think about that."
In total, SHAVA has donated $2.25 million to the hospital.
The store is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. For more information call 780-458-4655.
The Salvation Army Thrift Store – St. Albert's ‘Sally Ann'
There's a grab bag of goodies available at the local branch of the popular thrift store commonly known as the Sally Ann. Everything from movies, music, games, books, toys, household goods, plus a lot of clothes.
It's like a permanent garage sale, staffed by church volunteers and constantly fed by quality used goods donated by local residents. The most expensive item in the store last weekend was a decent telescope for $30. Besides all the toys and other goods, the store also has inexpensive gift-wrap and all Christmas decorations are half price.
Salvation Army works to strengthen the social fabric of the city with many support programs that provide food, clothing and shelter to those in need. It also helps people with counselling, transportation, medical assistance and figuring out how to pay the bills with budget assistance and rent subsidies.
"We support many of the people who are underprivileged in this community," stated newly stationed senior pastor Peter Kim. "The thrift store is an excellent way of not just donating items to people, but also a way of shopping and having a sense of dignity while doing so."
The store is located at 2003 Tudor Glen Market. It's open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Call 780-458-7638 for more information.
I'm Unique – The LoSeCa Store
The roadside sign for the store says, "Everything you need for Christmas." No kidding. Besides a vast array of merchandise to easily fill that gift list, a Christmas tree can be picked up for a couple of bucks more.
Sharon Baker, the person in charge of receiving donations, is an enthusiastic supporter of the store, calling it the "unique boutique."
"We undersell every thrift store in the area," she claimed. "Our pricing is very fair."
Much like the Sally Ann, there's a sense that shoppers could find literally anything in the store from interesting treasures like the brass mouse for 50 cents to skates for the figure skater and hockey player.
LoSeCa stands for 'Love Service Care.' The non-profit agency provides residential and day supports to adults with developmental disabilities. A lot of its fundraising comes from the store's sales.
The store is located at #1, 215 Carnegie Drive in the Campbell Business Centre. It is staffed by volunteers and participants in its Discovery Day program as well. Call 780-460-4343 or visit www.loseca.ca for more information.
