Christmas is quickly approaching and so is the deadline for donating toys and gifts to Chisago Countyís Anonymous Santa project. According to project coordinators, donations are coming in slowly and the number of applications has increased from last year at this time.

There are news stories covering tragic events all over the world and invitations to donate to holiday projects throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Anonymous Santa program is a local community project providing ìChristmas With Dignityî to families in Chisago County and the Forest Lake area.

Organizers are asking area residents to consider making a donation to this incredible program that assists families in area communities.

The local program anticipates over 1000 children will have gifts under the tree this year through this program. It appears the need for community support will be great, organizers said..

Donations may be made at local banks, churches and businesses that are hosting a toy collection box.

In Forest Lake, Wal-Mart is sponsoring its Anonymous Santa Christmas tree with gift tags for girls and boys of all ages. Area toy collection sites are From the Heart Bible & Gifts, Main Street Bank, Lake Area Bank, Wal-Mart and in Wyoming, First State Bank of Wyoming.

The gift distribution is scheduled for Dec 15-16, however, the area program will provide gifts to families until Christmas day.

And the program accepts donations all year round. If any groups or organizations in the area need toys picked up, call 651-583-3121.

Coin collection tubes are in local businesses and are a way to add extra change to this project to help make a childís holiday brighter.

For anyone wishing to donate money for this project - checks may be sent to Anonymous Santa, PO Box 901, North Branch, MN 55056.

This is an all-volunteer project, 100 percent of all money collected is spent on this project. Monetary donations are accepted any time during the year as shopping is done year round.

For more information about this local project or to volunteer a few hours call LeeAnn at 651-583-3121.

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Forest Lake Times
P.O. Box 218
880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
Fax 651-464-4605