Two organizations are teaming up in Quesnel this year to make sure that families have a little something for the holiday season.
Nourish Food Bank and the Green Hope Society are providing holiday hampers for those in need.
Holiday Hamper Coordinator Coral Byrd says they are taking in donations at a number of events.
“This weekend, December 2nd and 3rd at Walmart is the RCMP’s fill the cruiser, so you can bring stuff to donate or you can go into Walmart and buy something and stick it in the cruiser. Saturday night December 3rd is the Kangaroos teddy bear toss so the first goal of the game people can throw teddy bears, toques and gloves onto the ice and we also receive all that. We have holiday hamper boxes in many stores around the community that people can take food and toys into and drop off. Wizards Garage, Attitude South, Willis Harper you can go in and buy a toy and then just leave it right there, K-Max Games & Video, Bo Peep Boutique, Westside Liquor Store, Andre’s Electronics south of town, Co-op. We tried to spread them out all over town to make it convenient for everybody to donate.”
Byrd says they also accept cash.
“We’ve set up a Zeffy account. The link is on our Facebook page, Holiday Hampers Quesnel. And you will get a taxable receipt.”
Byrd says they are asking that donations be in by December 8th.
“So we have the week to get everything ready and do any buying which we’ll need to purchase to fill in the gaps. We don’t particularly make a hamper, it’s more set up like a store. Families can come into the West Park Mall and chose the toys they want for their children, and they get to chose the foods that they want.”
Byrd says those registered have a time to come in on either Friday, December 15th or the 16th or 17th.
She says the need continues to grow in the community as they have around 350 people already registered this year, with well over a hundred others on a waiting list.
“I have found personally that it has gone up quite a bit. I’m finding people that have previously in the past donated are now signing up to receive. And we have a lot of families, and a lot of seniors.”
Byrd says people will receive non-perishable food items, cleaning supplies and bathrooms essentials, and every child will receive a toy, stocking stuffers, a teddy bear, gloves and a toque.
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