Adopt-A-Family ready to receive thousands of presents for Saskatoon families

A day of giving is scheduled for Saturday in Saskatoon.

Families, co-workers and individuals will be lining up in their vehicles to drop off the presents they’ve purchased for their “adopted” families this Christmas.

The drive-through dropoff will run at TCU Place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Heather Bonynge, director of promotions with Rawlco Radio Saskatoon and 650 CKOM, said the day is going to be an exciting one.

“I was amazed by it last year and I’m amazed by it again,” she said. “Even though we only get to interact with people inside their vehicles, there’s just a sense of giving and enthusiasm and everybody has just been amazing.”

Bonynge has been working behind the scenes leading up to the holiday season, working with the Salvation Army to pull together the 2021 Adopt-A-Family campaign.

The initiative aims to help give families in need an extra special Christmas. Between Nov. 12 and Dec. 2, people were matched with a family to buy Christmas gifts for and were able to shop to show some love.

Saturday marks the day those gifts are passed along to be given to the families.

“We are so thankful for everyone in Saskatoon who has given generously because it’s just so amazing, the amount of support and eagerness that we have seen,” Bonynge said.

She said this year is shaping up to be a big year, like the one previous, with more sponsors and families signing up than ever before.

“Our volunteers are going to be there, eager to collect all of the Christmas gifts and food and gift cards that they have bought to give these families an extra-special Christmas,” she said.

“Every year, it just continues to grow and exceed any expectation and have a huge impact on the community as far as helping families over the Christmas season.”

The campaign started in 1988, and collected $5,000 that year.

Bonynge said more than 3,000 families will receive help this year.

“The impact that we see is almost immeasurable and invaluable,” she said.

It’s the perfect way to spark the joy of the season.

“I am feeling overwhelmed and grateful,” she said. “This year and every year that we do this, it really sets the tone for my holiday season, personally, and it’s just a really great reminder of how amazing our community is.”