Christmas hamper busy as ever

Shannon LeClair
Times Reporter

 

Another year has come to an end for the Strathmore and District Christmas Hamper Society, and as always both town and Wheatland County residents showed their support, donating thousands of food items, toiletries, toys and money.
Items were collected up until packing day, which was Dec. 13 and then the hampers were distributed to those in need Dec. 15-16.
“We packed 218 generous hampers which was a surprise as we had for forecast only 180 – down from last year at 190,” said chair Dave Collins.
“We had thought the economy was in pretty good shape this year so (we’re) perhaps more than concerned at the situation which might develop next year with oil prices so low.”
A surprise for the society this year was the demand from larger families, those with four persons or more.
The Strathmore and District Christmas hamper is the largest in the country, providing its clients with food for a Christmas meal, and enough to last throughout the month of January, giving the sister organization the Wheatland County Food Bank a much deserved break.
Most other hamper societies across the country typically provide all the fixings for just the Christmas dinner.
“A great vote of thanks is due to all the many hundreds of volunteers from the Town and the County including those from all the schools, churches, service clubs and businesses,” said Collins.
This may be it for the Christmas Hamper Society for another year, but the Wheatland County Food Bank can still use the help and donations throughout the year.