The hectic festive season is here and numerous Christmas-related events and activities are underway or coming up throughout the township.
Santa Claus, of course, is preparing for his annual pre-Christmas visits to Mapleton, with stops at Christmas parades in Drayton, Moorefield and Alma.
The Drayton Santa Claus Parade, hosted by Mapleton Fire/Rescue will be held on Dec. 1 at 7pm.
Santa will visit Moorefield the following day, Dec. 2, for a parade beginning at 1pm and hosted by the Moorefield Optimist Club.
The Alma Santa Claus Parade, hosted by the Alma Optimists, is Dec. 17 at 2pm and this year will feature a Canada 150 Christmas theme.
A Community Christmas Celebration is planned for Dec. 3 at the PMD arena in Drayton. Sponsored by the Drayton-area church ministries, the event features live music, a dessert buffet and refreshments. At the event, which begins at 6pm, organizers will accept material donations for Ramoth House, which serves the needs of young, single mothers. Suggested donations include: bibs, baby hooded bath towels, baby bowls, newborn diapers, newborn girl clothes, teethers, pasta sauce, cookies, juice and paper towels.
A Christmas dinner for the community’s widows and widowers will be held at Drayton Reformed Church on Dec. 13 at 12:30pm. To attend or for information contact Ann Kabbes at 519-848-3206 or Nancy Koobs at 519-343-5372 by Dec. 9.
A Community Free Skate Night will be held on Dec. 9 from 7 to 9pm at the PMD arena. Jingle Bells is the theme of the event, which is sponsored by Community Christian School.
The Drayton Kinsmen Club is selling Christmas Trees at Dobben’s True Value. Proceeds from the sale of $40 fraser firs will support Cystic Fibrosis research.
After Christmas, trees can be dropped off at the Drayton Kin room at the old arena until Jan. 6 and there will be a roadside tree pickup on Jan. 6. Food bank donations are appreciated.
The Drayton Kinettes are conducting their annual toy drive for children in this area. New, unwrapped toys may be brought to the Drayton parade on Dec. 1 or Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 2 at Community Mennonite Fellowship Church from 8 to 11am. Several area stores are also accepting toy donations until Dec. 14.
The Drayton Community Food Bank is now accepting donations for the annual Christmas Food Drive. Donations may be dropped off at the Drayton Food Market, Drayton Reformed Church, RBC bank branches in Drayton and Moorefield or call the food bank at 519-504-2346. To receive a food hamper call 519-504-2346 by Dec. 17.
Heartland Animal Hospital is also holding its annual Christmas Pet Food Drive at its Drayton location. All monetary and food donations will go to the local food bank to provide for pets in need during the holiday season.
