The Lac La Hache Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary is once again responding to help those in need this Holiday Season.
For almost 20-years they have provided assistance to local families through their Christmas Hamper Program.
Fire Fighter and Organizer of this year’s event, Greg Crompton said the hampers contain basic staples, a greatly appreciated Christmas dinner and presents for children.
“It’s something that everyone at the Fire Hall get involved with along with members from the Lac La Hache community. We have donation boxes set up in a number of locations primarily at the store, the coffee shop, the bakery and the restaurant. We also take cash donations which are very helpful because then we can go and purchase whatever groceries we need to fill out the hampers that we hand out.”
Crompton noted that last year they provided 26 and at the moment believes they have 14 requests and he assumes they will do in the neighbourhood of 25 to 30 this year.
“The deadline to request a hamper is Monday December 9 so we’ll know for sure then how many we will need to fill and then we’ll hand them out on December 18.” Crompton said, “To make a hamper request we ask people to call the fire hall at 250-396-41-12. We will then get in touch with them to make sure that they do want to in fact receive one and are available on our distribution day.”
Crompton added since he’s been involved with the Lac La Hache Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary Christmas Hamper Program he has seen an increase in requests.
“I haven’t been involved that long with this annual event but there are definitely more people in need now more than ever. It’s a real community effort. A number of the merchants are pitching in and helping out. The bakery is donating their products, the gas station is extremely helpful getting everything that we need and helping us cost wise with it, and the program is run by people in the community.”
Crompton said there are a lot of contributions coming in from a lot of individuals and businesses and some of them are extremely generous, we are very lucky and appreciative to get that kind of support.
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