The Langley Christmas Bureau arrives about the same time as that chill in the air.

On Tuesday the volunteers started setting up the annual Christmas charity in donated space in the former Coast Capital building on Fraser Highway.

Come Nov. 1 in Langley and Nov. 7 in Aldergrove, the bureau will be open for another season, accepting donations of toys, gifts and money, and accepting applications from families who will struggle to provide a Christmas for their children.

The Christmas Bureau remains an entirely volunteer-run endeavour. There are about 75 volunteers who have made this into a well-oiled machine.

Castron said the volunteers return year after year.

"There are so many people that are so dedicated," she said.

For Colleen Kelly, it's all about "the joy that you feel when you're helping other people."

Part of the crew that looks after gift certificates, she said the community continues to support the bureau.

"I'm just always encouraged to have the community always come forward, even in the tough times," she said.

The Kellys make it a fam-

Justice system ily affair. Husband Don has for years been a volunteer, following Colleen into the organization.

He does pickups at various schools, businesses and community sites as well as working the Christmas parade.

Though he doesn't work as directly with recipients, he still loves being a part of Christmas Bureau.

Each year brings unique donors.

A kindergarten class from Belmont Elementary visited the office, touching the hearts of many.

"It was kids wanting to give to other kids," Colleen commented.

Last year a movie that was filming here brought a large load of high-end toys for the Christmas Bureau, once filming was wrapped up. The donations included pianos, doll houses and more, Castron explained.

This year there will be Chairs for Charity on Oct. 25 at the Passionate Home store, a seniors home in Walnut Grove hosting a tea and craft sale next month, a tea hosted by the mayors' wives and other fundraisers. Watch for details as the events draw near.

The bureau gauges need after liaising with local social agencies and organizations.

"Our sponsorship was down last year. We would like to see more families being sponsored," Caston said.

Though the office doesn't open for a few days, people can start donating online or find out more about helping.

Her advice to anyone interested in finding out more about how the Christmas Bureau works is to check out www.langleychristmasbureau.com.

"Have a look on our website, all information on sponsoring is there," she said.

CHRISTMAS 2011

793 families applied (up 40 families from 2010)

360 City families

433 Township families

227 were new clients in 2011

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com