聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 Many families struggle over the Christmas season," said Karolyn Kosheluk, Family Resource Centre co-ordinator.
聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 "Through programs like the Christmas hampers and Filling the Gap, we are able to assist people in their time of need," she said.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 There were 25 volunteers involved with the shopping, wrapping and assembling of hampers on December 13, Kosheluk said. They wrapped a total of 53 gifts for children and 35 hampers for families.
聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 聽 "The total was down from last year, which was a record high with 78 gifts and 43 hampers," she said.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "There are many more volunteers in the community who have helped by collecting ad donating," she said. "Without all of them, the program wouldn't be possible. People donated non-perishable food, new toys and money. All those things are necessary so that families in need can get some much-needed help at Christmastime.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "There are also many local service groups that make financial donations every year. Sometimes there are Christmas parties that choose to collect money to donate to vulnerable families instead of buying each other gifts. Many other groups and schools collect much of our donated food."
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 There are a wide range of reasons why people might need a hamper and it is important to note that these families have often donated to the program in the past and then unexpectedly find themselves in need, she said.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "Most people find it difficult to admit that they need help and the names of the recipients are kept confidential. Gifts are wrapped by number and not by a child's name," said Kosheluk.
聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽聽 "The Filling the Gap Christmas hamper program has evolved over the years to better meet the needs of families in the area. It is expected that this will continue into the future.鈥�
