Need for Christmas food hampers expected to increase
Melissa Strle
Times Reporter
The Strathmore and Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society is gearing up for an increase in requests for food hampers this season.
The society officially kicked off this year’s campaign on Nov. 12 and the campaign will run through to Dec. 20 to gather food and gifts for families in need.
This year, the society anticipates the need to fill approximately 300 Christmas hampers; however, this number may increase due to unforeseen demand.
“What I see, of course, is the economy of Alberta, the amount of people who are out of work, the amount of people who may be requiring them,” said Craig Stone, chairman of the Strathmore and Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society.
“There’s definitely going to be an increase this year. It’s been happening more consistently, especially over the last five years.”
Last year, the society estimated a need for 210 hampers but the eventual number required was 247, which the society was able to accommodate.
Stone said the number “absolutely could” go over 300 this year.
“If it goes 30 over like last year, to 330, it’s going to be really difficult,” said Stone. “We’re quite concerned. There’re a lot of hungry people out there.”
Stone said the society needs to come up with new concepts and ideas to be able to generate enough food and toys to make this year’s goals.
“We do have a plan in place to try and accommodate,” Stone said. “We just have to play it out as the year goes.”
One new concept the society is trying out this year is the “stuff the truck” idea brought forward by Lisa and John Koffner. The event will help collect needed food, gifts and cash at four loca-tions including Sobey’s, Walmart, Co-op and No Frills. “Stuff the truck” takes place on Nov. 19.
The society’s goal is to provide families with a plentiful meal and toys for those 18 years and younger on Christmas day. The society also aims to supplement the food budget for that family for the month of January.
The hampers include dry goods, canned goods, fresh produce, meat, pantry staples and toys. Other items may include mittens, toques and books, and donated cash is used to fill in items that are short.
Volunteers have placed donation boxes around town and will be busy for the season. There are also 25 stores collecting for the society.
“I’ve got crews coming by to set up all the tables and racks for the incoming food at one of our locations,” said Stone, who adds the society runs as a “very well-oiled machine,” and that most volunteers are experienced in what they have to do.
“Everybody’s in place and is chomping at the bit to get going on this year’s campaign,” he said.
The hampers are filled according to family sizes: one to three family members, four to seven family members, seven to nine family members. For example, families with one to three mem-bers may receive 12 cans of soup, while a larger family may receive 18.
“The intention is to give them enough food to last approximately a month,” said Stone.
The volunteer base is growing and is at about 100. Organized groups are welcome to pitch in, too.
“That’s such a great feeling to have – the fact that we’ve got groups wanting to come and helps us,” said Stone.
However, the society is always looking for volunteers and also for new ideas.
The Strathmore and Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society is a registered society of Alberta and adheres to the provincial and federal charitable guidelines. It provides receipts where applicable and is accountable to a full board of directors.
It is supported by the town and the local county councils, as well as all service clubs, schools, churches, businesses and individuals from the community.
Food hampers will be distributed on Dec. 19 and 20.