Kenneth Brown
of The Clarion
A Christmas Hamper program within the greater Kindersley area is now accepting applications and donations to get prepared for the upcoming Christmas season.
There have been changes made to the Christmas Hamper program for Kindersley and area. The Canadian Mental Health Association used to co-ordinate a regional hamper program in the area, but the program has been taken over by three organizations based in Kindersley.
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The Kindersley & District Food Bank, Salvation Army and West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre have teamed up to co-ordinate the annual hamper program. Hampers will be distributed to recipients in the food bank’s service area.
Residents of Kindersley, Alsask, Brock, Coleville, Eatonia, Flaxcombe, Marengo and Smiley, along with the rural areas in between those communities, will be able to get a hamper for the Christmas season. People in surrounding areas are encouraged to contact one of partner organizations to see if the program applies to them.
The application deadline for recipients is Dec. 15 at 4 p.m. Applications are available at the Spokes Family Resource Centre, the Salvation Army thrift store, crisis centre and at the location in the Kindersley Mall where donations are being accepted.
Donations of food, toys and money will be accepted until Dec. 17 at the latest. The collection sites are at the mall in the former Cameron’s Clothing Company store, the Salvation Army thrift store and the crisis centre.
Volunteers will be at the main location in the mall to accept donations Monday to Saturday from Dec. 1-15 between the hours of noon and 6 p.m. Donations will be accepted at the crisis centre and thrift store during regular operating hours. Tax receipts are available by mail for donations of $20 or more.
Each hamper follows the nutritional requirements of Canada’s Food Guide, and they include food items for a traditional Christmas meal, treats and toys for children who are 12 years of age and under. Only donations of new, unwrapped toys, books and games should be made.
There are specific food items in high demand. The food needs include oranges, soup, pasta, pasta sauce, rice, cereals, instant oatmeal, peanut butter, canned beans, canned meat, juice and canned fruits and vegetables among other items.
The pick up day for hamper recipients is on Dec. 20 at the mall location, and there has been a change to the hours. People could pick up the Christmas Hampers on Dec. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon or from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
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