Pass residents who have come down with severe cases of generosity and community spirit this holiday season have plenty of worthy organizations to support. Here are the Pass Herald’s picks for good causes that deserve your support.

Charity Check Stop
On Dec. 5, Pass residents travelling on 20th Avenue in Blairmore were greeted with the annual Charity Check Stop; the friendliest traffic checkpoint they are ever likely to see.
The Pass’ emergency services including, the RCMP, the community peace officer, EMS and the food bank held the check stop and raised $4,175.50 and lots of non-perishable food items.
“People were very generous this year,” said Fire Chief Jamie Wilkinson. “It was awesome.”

Shael’s Socks from Santa
Back in 2011, then five-year old Shael Davidson and his father Mike began a sock collecting campaign for local children because if there is one thing the Davidsons do not like, it’s cold feet.
Shael and his father have since moved to Calgary but Shael’s Socks from Santa has been co-oped by the Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre and is still going strong.
This year, donation boxes were placed at the Bargain Shop, Copy Magic, The Stone’s Throw Café and Pharmasave. Donations can also be taken directly to the Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre.
In addition to socks, toys, pajamas and other gifts are also welcome.

Comedy for a cause
There’s still time to buy tickets for a Dec. 13 Yuk Yuks fundraising event at the Greenhill Hotel.
The event will feature comedian Marcus Beaubier, musical performances by local artists, a silent auction, a 50-50 draw and a catered meal from Chris’ Restaurant.
Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Scotiabank in Blairmore, which has agreed to match ticket sales by up to $5,000.
Christmas Hamper Project

“These are not your typical food hampers,” said Kim Lewis, Family and Community Support Services coordinator, to the Pass Herald on Dec. 3.
In conjunction with the food bank, the Christmas Hamper Project is ensuring that nobody goes hungry over the holiday.
Each hamper will contain an entire Christmas meal including a turkey, cake batter, icing and breakfast fixings.
All donations are welcome and can be made at the municipal office. Call (403) 562-8833 for more information.

Coats for kids
It can get a bit crisp come wintertime, which is why the Coats for Kids program is hoping to keep the community’s youth bundled up warmly.
Pass residents can donate children’s or adult’s winter clothing to the Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre, which will be distributed to needy families.
The Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre is located in the provincial building and donations can be made there throughout the winter.

Operation Christmas Child
The Nippon Institute of Technology (NIT) has once again organized Operation Christmas Child (OCC), which will ensure holiday cheer for kids in developing countries.
This year, 215 shoe boxes full of school supplies, toys, candies and other items were collected for shipment overseas.
NIT students, staff and their homestay families collected the items through NIT’s Community Service Learning class.