Looking once again for the generosity of the community

Shannon LeClair

Times Reporter

 

It’s almost that time of year again. Soon the snow will fall and Christmas is coming faster than some people may be hoping for. While many people go out shopping for their turkey and presents, some families have to rely on the generosity of other people. 

For 25 years the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper Society has been helping families in need enjoy a traditional Christmas. 

Last year the number of hampers filled was 242, a big increase from the 195 needed the year before. 

“There’s always the hope that we’ll have slightly less but you never know. Who knows what the economy is this year, but it will certainly be approximately 250 anyway, for sure,” said Dave Collins, chairperson for the society. 

In 1985, when the society began, there was only one family who needed help. The downfall of the economy is likely the cause of last year’s 15 per cent increase. The target for the group this year is to fill 260 hampers, while keeping fingers crossed that that many are not needed. 

“Strathmore is the largest contributor but also the largest need for the hampers. But all of the villages are really good supporters, and in each of those villages you will find families in need of support,” said Collins. 

Starting on Nov. 13, all of the grocery stores will have bins to collect donations in the stores as well as a variety of other businesses around town. The group is not looking for things such as a turkey and all the trimmings; potatoes etc to be donated. What the Society is looking for from the community are staples. Such as soup, canned vegetables, canned meats, hams and pastas.

“All the typical staples that you would expect to have in your cupboard,” said Collins. 

Each hamper can cost hundreds of dollars to fill, depending on the size of the family it is being distributed to. If there are a few kids a family which needs a hamper, it can easily cost $400 to fill a hamper for that family. Collins said last year Strathmore and Wheatland county residents were able to help meet the demand and he is hoping this year people will be just as generous. 

“We’ll know about six days before the distribution how many hampers we’ll have to fill,” said Collins. 

This year the distribution dates are set for Dec. 20 and 21.