DIDSBURY – The Christmas Helpers hamper program in Didsbury is nearing completion but could still use some help. This year the group is looking at putting together more than 150 hampers for people in need.
Linda Sirr, a volunteer with the program, said the community really comes together to assemble the hampers.
“We give them out to people in the community, individuals, families and seniors, who find it difficult all year long to make ends meet,” said Sirr. “This hamper program now, people will take a number and buy groceries for a certain size hamper.”
This year the hampers will be put together on Friday, Dec. 16 at the Zion Evangelical Missionary Church (ZEMC) and dropped off the following day.
Sirr said that anyone needing a hamper that hasn't registered can call the Zion Church at 403-335-3629.
“If people need this they need to get their names in immediately,” she said.
The number of hampers is up once again this year as people struggle with the economic downturn, said Sirr.
“It's harder to get people to sponsor hampers because things are tight,” she said. “But people are caring and giving in Didsbury. It's a good place to live.”
Sirr said they still need people to sponsor hampers as well as give cash donations to pay for grocery vouchers.
“We give meat and fresh vegetable vouchers and those we have to pay for,” she said. “So if anyone wants to give a cheque they can bring it down to Zion Church and make it out to ZEMC and mark it ‘hamper program' and they'll get a tax receipt.”
The Christmas Helpers could also use help with filling the hampers as well as with the gift wrapping and hamper assembly. To help out please call Sirr at 403-335-4832.
