Suzan Krecsy doesn't know who he is, but she has an apt nickname for him. She's referring to the mysterious man who comes by every year to make a substantial donation of food. This year he dropped off roughly 100 turkeys and 100 hams, a major boost to filling the shelves at the St. Albert Food Bank during the busiest time of the year.
"He will not give me his name," the agency's executive director explained. "He's done this for two years and he just doesn't give me his name. I just call him our Secret Santa. It's really the true way of giving, isn't it? He doesn't expect anything back. In fact, he even unloads all the stuff himself. He doesn't want any help. You just say thank you and he walks away."
She said that other individuals and businesses have been a huge help with unique items like toiletries and cosmetics. Krecsy thanked them all.
"Some of the most caring people … absolutely outstanding in this city. We're keeping our head above water as far as donations go."
She said the food bank is coping well with the heightened demand for hampers and that teamwork between her agency, the Salvation Army and the Rotary Club of St. Albert is keeping it all going.
The agency will have revised hours of operation over the holiday period. It will be open on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 21 and 22 and then close for Christmas. It will re-open Monday, Dec. 28 and Wednesday, Dec. 30 (the food bank is not usually open Tuesdays and Thursdays) and then close for the New Year's break. It will open again Monday, Jan. 4. It is located at 50 Bellerose Drive, beside Canadian Tire. Call 780-459-0599.
Kettles unmanned
The theme song for the Salvation Army's Christmas Kettle campaign is a little bit more like Jingle Bells when just a week or two ago it was sounding more like Silent Night. Many people have come forward to man a station for a two-hour time slot at one of several locations across the city, but the church is still looking to fill about 32 positions before Dec. 23.
Judy Gale, campaign co-ordinator, understands that less people than usual are able to help with either their time or their money.
"This year is even a little bit harder. It's been a tough year for everyone. We don't see the donations coming in as much as we would like. We see a lot of fives but not the 20s. A lot of people have not volunteered this year that volunteered last year."
People can call 780-458-1937 to get involved or if you have some time today, call Gale's cell phone at 780-966-2769. This year's goal is $150,000.
