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Donations sought for weekend Charity Checkstop on 47 Ave.

There will be a strong police presence along 47 Ave. on Saturday (Dec. 6), but passing motorists need not be alarmed.

There will be a strong police presence along 47 Ave. on Saturday (Dec. 6), but passing motorists need not be alarmed. It’s all part of the annual Charity Checkstop, which will see donations collected for a number of Sylvan Lake and area charities.

The checkstop, put on by the Sylvan Lake RCMP and Victim Services Unit, will see motorists stopped on 47 Ave. between Shoppers Drug Mart and McDonald’s, giving them the opportunity to donate money, toys and food.

Money and items received will benefit the Sylvan Lake Food Bank, Eckville Santa’s Anonymous, Sylvan Lake Victim Services and the Bentley Christian Centre Christmas Fund.

Victim services program co-ordinator and checkstop organizer Jennifer Plotnikoff said many motorists carry extra money, toys and food with them in anticipation of the checkstop.

Others — including some who may not have heard about it — are often happy to give what they have on them at the time.

Coupons are by local businesses will be offered in return for a donation, no matter how large or small.

Yet, there will be no jail time for those who don’t participate, assured Plotnikoff.

“If they don’t want to come through it, there are other ways to go around,” she said.

Two lanes will be set up to receive donations, and Plotnikoff is hoping the checkstop will be as successful as it has been in previous years, having raised more than $20,000 in the last two years alone.

“Every little penny, dime, nickel — it all helps,” said Plotnikoff. “Everything helps for our local charities.”

The checkstop has been running in Sylvan Lake for about 14 years now. It will be set up on Saturday (Dec. 6) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

“(The total amount raised) goes up every year,” said Plotnikoff. “ The support is really amazing.”