DIDSBURY - The Christmas Helpers hamper program is well underway in Didsbury.
Although the program has already seen several donations from generous Didsburians this year, there is still a big need, says co-organizer Linda Sirr.
Sirr, who heads the program along with Linda Regner, said they are still looking for people to sponsor hampers as well.
The Christmas Helpers program has been going on for over 30 years in Didsbury. The program is about gathering food and gifts and putting those into hampers for handing out to less fortunate people during the holiday season.
"We are very grateful to all those who have signed up to make a hamper for a family or individual in our town," said Sirr. "It's nice to see people step up to help others. We still urgently need more people to do the same. We always need gifts for men and teenage boys."
Anyone interested in sponsoring a hamper can contact Sirr at 403-335-4832 or Deb at the Zion Church at 403-335-3629.
"People who donate can choose whether they wish to fill a small, medium or large 'sleigh,' " said Sirr. "Organizations and clubs are encouraged to band together to fill a food hamper. If you decide to sponsor a hamper, please call ahead for a hamper number and grocery list."
The hampers and gifts will be put together on Dec. 20 at 7 p.m. at Zion Church at the annual gift-wrapping event. All are welcome to come and help, said Sirr.
"Bring scissors and your Christmas spirit and enjoy a truly amazing night of wrapping gifts and making Christmas for the individuals of our town," she said.
Also part of the Christmas Helpers program is the Angel Tree program, which features trees placed all around town.
Trees can be found at the post office, Mountain View Credit Union, Vintage Coffee Bar, Ulla-La Boutique, 582 Patio and Grill, Didsbury Municipal Library, Home Hardware and Remedy RX.
"Pick an angel from any one of the angel trees in town, buy an age-appropriate gift, then take the unwrapped gift, with the angel attached, to the friendly staff at the Didsbury post office by December 16," she said.
Christmas Helpers also needs non-perishable food donations. Bring them to the Zion Church or place them in boxes located in stores around town by Dec. 16, said Sirr.
"Cash donations are accepted as well and used to purchase meat vouchers and additional food," she said. "Please make cheques payable to Zion Evangelical Missionary Church (ZEMC) and mark 'Christmas Hampers' on the cheque.
“These donations can be taken directly to the Zion Church at the east entrance to Didsbury."
If you or someone you know is in need, please call Sirr or Zion Church to have the names placed on the list to receive a hamper, said Sirr.
"Please include street address, phone number, how many adults, children's ages and gender," she said.
Vintage Coffee Bar, in addition to having an Angel Tree on site, is selling thumbprint cookies to raise money for the program, which Wes-Can Seal Coating is matching.
