Emily Plihal
Local Journalism
Initiative Reporter

Nampa/Northern Sunrise County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) has officially opened registration for its Christmas Gift Card program.

The program is used to spread Christmas cheer to people who need a little extra assistance through the holiday season.

Director of Community Services Amber Houle says they are bringing back the Christmas Gift Card Program, with the hopes of helping families who are struggling through the financially heavy time of year.

“The Christmas Gift Card Program provides families and individuals in need with financial support during the holidays,” says Houle.

“With the rising cost of food and utilities, more and more families and individuals are feeling the pinch. The Christmas Gift Card programs allow individuals and families to receive extra cash in their hands so that they can have a special holiday without the burden of going into or adding to their debt loads.”

Houle says the program is completely anonymous and those who receive gift cards get them in the mail with a Christmas Card.

FCSS will accept both donated gift cards, as well as cash from those wishing to help those in need.

“For those wishing to donate a gift card in lieu of cash, we do ask that they donate in increments of $25, as it is easier to bundle,” Houle explains.

“The amount of money dispersed to individuals and families depends on how many donations are received,” she adds. “It is easier to provide more cards, at a lesser value, than try and separate a $100 gift card to make things fair for everyone.”

FCSS accepts donations and nominations for the Christmas Gift Card Program annually, between the first working day in October and the second Friday of December. Gift cards are dispersed the third week in December so that individuals and families have additional supports for the holidays.

“With the donations we receive, we purchase gift cards from Co-op so that individuals can choose to purchase either groceries for their families or gas to be able to get to and from work or appointments,” Houle says.

She adds if you or someone you know needs a little extra help this holiday season, or you would like to help make Christmas brighter for people in the region, please contact Houle at (780) 625-3287 or ahoule@northernsunrise.net.

You can also nominate someone who needs assistance by visiting the Northern Sunrise County website.