With the holiday season quickly approaching, the Chestermere Regional Food Bank and Community Resource Centre are teaming up to help individuals and families through the Christmas Hamper program.
“We’ve already received more requests for assistance than last year,” says Danielle Fermin, Family and Community Services Coordinator with the City. “By working together, we are hoping to be able to support anyone who needs a little extra assistance during the holidays.”
As the Christmas season draws nearer, many parents facing difficult circumstances worry how will they make the holidays feel normal for their children. A Christmas Hamper ensures they can prepare a delicious turkey dinner (provided by the Chestermere Regional Food Bank) and have a few gifts to open on Christmas morning (funded by Christmas with Dignity).
If you or someone you know could benefit from a Christmas Hamper, it all starts with a phone call to the Community Resource Centre. Once applicants complete an intake form and preliminary interview, each situation is considered on a case-by-case basis which also offers an opportunity to explore what other resources are available to the individual or family.
The hampers are available to anyone in the community and the deadline to apply to receive a hamper is December 9 (to ensure enough hampers can be prepared in time).
Monetary donations or food donations are accepted by both organizations. The Chestermere Regional Food Bank can be contacted at (403) 273-0777 and Christmas with Dignity can be contacted at (403) 207-8152.
In addition, Lifepath Wellness and Chestermere Station Dentistry are enhancing this year’s Christmas Hampers by collecting unwrapped toys and non-perishable food items from December 1 – 17 at their offices. You can also support this program by visiting them on December 17 for their holiday event. For more information on these events, call (403) 207-8152.
To Register: If you would like to register for a Christmas Hamper, call the Community Resource Centre at (403) 207-7079 before December 9, 2016.