The annual Christmas Hamper program opened this week and is looking for donations.
The program, provided by the Community Connections Food Bank, helps low-income families and seniors during the holidays.
The hampers, with headquarters during the holidays in the basement of the Legion, are stuffed with food, gifts and toys.
“Every request for assistance is treated with compassion, respect and confidentiality,” said a press release. “With your help we are able to make a significant difference in people’s lives.”
The Christmas Hamper program provides more than 180 hampers annually during the holiday season, helping more than 200 adults and 100 children in December.
RELATED: Community Connections requesting donations for Christmas Hamper Program
“We depend on the generosity and compassion of our community to support this program and look forward to your continued support of this critically important service in our community,” said Patti Larson, a member of the executive team – Community Connections Community Outreach and Development. “Any amount you can share will be greatly appreciated and put to good use right at home.”
Community members wishing to support the Christmas Hamper program can do so in the following ways:
- Make a charitable financial donation
- Food donation boxes are located at Save-On-Foods or drop off at the Legion during open hours (Dec. 4 to 23; Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
- Organize a food drive at your office/school/church event
- Add a $2 coupon to your purchases at Save-On-Foods and Southside
- Donate your Save on More points at Save-On-Foods
- Sponsor a family or senior with gifts and food, or donate gifts to a person in need
- Pick an angel from the Christmas tree at CIBC and buy a gift for a child
- Support the toy drive at the Red Apple Store
Larson said that the most-needed items for the hampers are: cans of tuna, salmon, ham and other meats; pasta, pasta sauce and tomatoes; Chunky soups, meals in a tin; breakfast cereals, pancake mix and syrup; fruit juice and canned milk; canned vegetables and fruit; peanut butter and jam; baby food, diapers; toiletries like toothpaste, shampoo and soap; laundry detergent; and pet food (dry or canned).
Other items that are used in the hampers include: new, unwrapped toys, books and games; gift boxes of cookies. tea or coffee, specialty foods; calendars, magazines, notepads, pens; candles, napkins, kitchen towels; gloves, scarves, socks; blankets; backpacks, movie bucks; and gift cards from local stores.
Many community groups partner with the Christmas Hamper program to provide needed donations.
Lexie Ast is behind the Pyjama Drive, which gathers donations of pyjamas and socks for children and teens.
RELATED: Pyjama Drive returns for another year
“A lot of kids find that they have tons of toys, but they’re wearing clothes that are hand-me-downs that have holes in them or whatever,” Ast told the Review. “It’s just such a nice feeling to have something of your own that’s brand new and you can cuddle in every night.”
The Pyjama Drive is accepting donations until Dec. 15 at three locations in Revelstoke: HUB International Insurance, the Revelstoke Library and Begbie View Elementary School.
During their Dec. 8 game against the Kelowna Chiefs, the Revelstoke Grizzlies will be having their Sock Toss. Anytime the Grizzlies score, fans can throw their new socks and mittens down onto the ice.
@marissatiel
marissa.tiel@revelstokereview.com
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