The doors are open on the happiest place in the 91原创s 鈥� the 91原创 Christmas Bureau.

Registrations are being taken and so are donations.

The all-volunteer charity relies on strong community support to provide holiday gifts to local children from birth to age 18.

鈥淚 think we鈥檙e going to have over 900 families, that鈥檚 up over last year,鈥� said coordinator Patty Lester. 鈥淚t just seems to be there鈥檚 a lot more people calling in.鈥�

That means the bureau is working to provide gifts for about 1,800 children from its base of operation this year at the Douglas Recreation Centre.

The bureau has been phoning clients helped last year to see if they need to register for gifts for their children this year. Lester said some are in a place now where they don鈥檛 need holiday help from the bureau but there are new additions to the list, because more people are struggling financially in this economy.

The bureau has a means test for those asking for help.

鈥淲e did increase it this year by a considerable amount of money,鈥� because of the jumps in the cost of living, Lester explained.

Technology is saving the day for many bureau clients and volunteers.

Lester explained that sometimes language can be an issue. For instance, many who want to register will have paperwork on them but not know which form the volunteer is asking to see. Sometimes there鈥檚 volunteers present who speak other languages but often both the volunteer and registrant pull out their cellphones and get the job done with translation apps.

鈥淲e have a lot of people with this app on their phone,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e got an app on my phone so we say what we want to say.鈥�

To help the bureau provide for local families, there are various fundraising efforts around the community.

The Christmas Wish Breakfast is coming up on Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Newlands Golf and Country Club, 21025 48th Ave. People can stop by between 6:30 and 9:30 a.m. with donations (unwrapped gifts for kids and youths, or gift cards/cash) and enjoy a complimentary breakfast. Local firefighters will be on hand to accept, and organize the donations, and there鈥檚 a morning full of live entertainment, as well as a visit from the jolly ol鈥� elf, himself.

Lester is thrilled that the breakfast is able to return, as it鈥檚 one of the highlights of the holiday season.

鈥淚 think it鈥檚 going to be a really fun morning,鈥� she said.

As well, people can watch for local service clubs at different locations on upcoming weekends.

鈥淭he Lions, 91原创 and Fort 91原创, the Lions ring the bells,鈥� she said.

They will collect financial donations to help the bureau.

Find out about the 91原创 Christmas Bureau online at www.langleychristmasbureau.com or call 604-530-3001. Applications are available online, as is information about donating or sponsoring a family.

The bureau is at the rec centre, 20550 Douglas Cres., and is open Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and two Saturdays, Nov. 25 and Dec. 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Aldergrove satellite office is at the 91原创 Meals on Wheels office, 2900 272nd St., and is open Wednesdays in November from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The bureau closes Dec. 14, at 3:30 p.m. until 2024.