CHIPS Chatter- February


Our first ever Diaper Drive starts on February 1, and runs until the end of the month. You can drop off any diapers during our regular CHIPS days on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:30-11:30 am. You can donate a bag, a box or a bale (a bag within a box) of any size. Curves has signed up to be a drop-off location, and Susan Duncan (event coordinator) will also be accepting any donations, her address is 217 Pine Crescent, and you can drop off at any time. They will be going to the Salvation Army and Neighbor's Outreach, both of Wetaskiwin. As this is our first ever, we have a goal of 25 000 diapers! Please help if you can, because we all know the need for diapers!


We are having another Movie Day on Thursday, February 10! Again, admission is free for any CHIPS members, non-members will be $5/person. As this is a PD day, please feel free to bring along any older children, keeping in mind the $5 fee. The movie is Tangled, and will be starting at 9:30 am. CHIPS at the Drill Hall will not be open this day. Please keep yourself informed and check out either the website at www.chipswetaskiwin.com, or our Facebook page as a reminder for the date.


Our Valentine's Party is on Monday, February 14. If you are signed up to bring a snack, please don't forget to bring it, and if you would like to bring a snack, please sign up on the sheets at the front desk!


We are still looking for 3-4 volunteers for the Bingo on Friday, February 18. Be there by 5 pm if you plan on eating, and be ready to work at 5:45 pm. As the hall has been taken over by new managers, they have reinstated a full concession. Please sign up on the sheets at the front desk if you are able to help out. If you haven't yet signed up for your extra toy wash or Bingo in lieu of the second fundraiser, please do so ASAP. The Bingos aren't nearly as bad as everyone thinks!


We have already bought some new toys for the baby section, and are looking at buying more for all around. We have priced some of the bigger items out, but are looking for further requests or ideas on what you would like to see at CHIPS. We have received a $500 donation from Alex Gaehring (Denise Gaehring's father-in-law) on behalf of the ConocoPhillips Employee Volunteerism Fund, and they have requested this goes towards buying new toys. Feel free to approach any of the board members with your ideas.


The nomination sheets for next years board have been posted on the large black board at the front of the Drill Hall. Being on the board enables you to have input in the decision making, and you also get a bonus of having a free child (a savings of $40!!) If you or someone you know is interested on being on the board, please sign up. Keep in mind that you have to accept or decline a nomination, so check them out regularly to see if your name has been posted. If there are any questions, approach any current board member, and they’ll help you out.


As always, there are some simple and easy to follow rules at CHIPS that include the following:


Please be sure to keep all snacks and drinks in the food area. There are wipes, and antibacterial wipes by the water bottle for everyone’s use. Please make sure your table is cleared and wiped off before you leave so the next child coming along doesn’t drink from a juice that got left there.


As we are in the middle of winter, please remember to bring indoor shoes. We do not want snow and mud being tracked through the Drill Hall, and wet shoes make for dangerous play. Socks or bare feet alone can also be dangerous due to the ride-on toy area and the many crazy drivers out there!


If you see your child or any other child riding the ride on toys outside of the specified area, please make sure they make their way back. The reason for the benches is to act as barriers, even though it doesn’t always happen.


Some parents have more than one or two children who attend CHIPS and it is impossible to be in two places at the same time. If you see a child who is looking for their mom, is hurt, or needs to be told to slow down, please step up and assist until the parent can get there.


It seems right now that every season is germ season! If you or your child is sick, please refrain from coming to CHIPS so it will not be spread around.


Have a great month everyone!! Don’t forget to mark key dates on your calendars!!!