The Single Parent Association has officially launched its annual Christmas Magic donation drive.

They currently have about 250 families registered with the program and another 100 on the waitlist.

The Association is accepting presents for children, monetary donations, and donations of gift cards.

Executive director Sonya Smith highlights the importance of gift cards because they allow some parents to go out and purchase their own gifts for their children.

As well, she says they make great gifts for teenagers. She explains that in the rush of toy drives for children, donations of presents for teenagers aren’t always as plentiful.

Upon hearing his family will be included in the program, Smith says they got an email from a father who was crying tears of joy at his desk because he knows his family will be taken care of for Christmas.