The Revelstoke Food Bank's Christmas Hamper program is now accepting community donations.
Food Bank coordinator Patti Larson said the need is great this holiday season.
Currently, 150 households have already signed up for hampers. Last year the total was 180, including 295 adults and 75 children. Larson said the food bank is on track to eclipse last year's total.
Larson said heating fuel and clothing costs are hitting families hard. "They're … struggling in the winter season," she said.
Cash donations are welcome, and they're looking for new gifts, toiletries, pyjamas, socks, new toys, clothing and food donations.
The food bank is open for donations and client registration from Monday to Saturday from 10–3 from now until Dec. 23 at their location in the Revelstoke Legion basement on Garden Avenue.
Larson thanked all the community organizations getting involved, noting there are so many initiatives it's hard to keep track of them all.
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PHOTO: Laurette Lavine shows off a beautifully-handmade children's blanket and stuffed horse set. There were also great hand-crocheted blankets. Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Times Review
Local financial institutions are chipping in. The TD Bank sponsors families. The CIBC has an Angel Tree at their branch where residents can donate. Revelstoke Credit Union assembles gift packs for seniors. The Royal Bank is organizing a pyjamas and socks campaign.
Revelstoke food bank coordinator Patti Larson (pictured above at centre) accepts a $2,000 cheque from Revelstoke Snowmobile Club representatives Greg Byman, president, and Kathy Burke.
Larson thanked Cooper's Foods, saying the grocery retailer is always a big supporter of the food bank. "They have bent over backwards for us," Larson said, noting that store manager James Inglis was loading in boxes of groceries the day before.
There are a number of fundraising events lined up.
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PHOTO: From left: Deb Thibeault, Dynnette Percher and Joan Thatcher put together Christmas hamper boxes at the Revelstoke Food Bank on Dec. 4. Aaron Orlando/Revelstoke Times Review
The B3 Kings play the Revelstoke Performing Arts Centre on Dec. 19 in a fundraiser concert. Bring a cash or food donation to the concert.
The Canadian Pacific Holiday Train arrives in Revelstoke on Friday, Dec. 13 at 3 p.m. at the CP Rail yard, and features musicians Melanie Doane and Matt Dusk. Bring a cash or food donation to the concert.
The Frontier Restaurant hosts their annual Christmas Dinner on Christmas Day from 1–3 p.m. Thos interested in contributing, volunteering or needing a ride can call Ginger at 250-837-4129.
Larson encouraged people to donate as early as possible.