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Tree decked for Langley Christmas Bureau

A tree and toy bin will help collect gifts for needy families around Langley.
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Jayde Martin, 4, demonstrated how to choose a tag from the Christmas Bureau’s tree at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre. (Matthew Claxton/Langley Advance)

The Langley Christma Bureau has decked out its tree, and is now working to fill its giant gift bin at the Willowbrook Shopping Centre.

Every year, the Christmas Bureau collects cash and gifts from shoppers in the mall to help fill the stockings of sponsored families.

Donors can bring an unwrapped gift suitable for a child. Tags on the tree suggest ages and genders appropriate for different gifts, ranging from infants to teenagers.

Last year, 1,594 kids in Langley were helped by the Christmas Bureau.

“I think well be more,” said Christmas Bureau tree organizer Sylvia Anderson. There were already 700 signed up in the first few days of registration, and with Syrian refugee families settling in Langley, Anderson believes there will be some new families taking part for the first time.

Every year, the tree and the volunteers who staff it provide an introduction to the Christmas Bureau by some who haven’t heard of it.

“A lot of people come by and they don’t know what we’re about,” Anderson said.

The tree is in a new location this year, near the Sport Chek on the north side of the mall. The tree and toy box will be there until Dec. 17.

The volunteers are asking that no stuffed toys, dolls, or clothing other than baby clothes be donated.

Volunteers will also give gift suggestions and accept gift cards worth up to $30.



Matthew Claxton

About the Author: Matthew Claxton

Raised in Langley, as a journalist today I focus on local politics, crime and homelessness.
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