Toys, Other Gifts Coming in for Hamper Project
The spirit of giving is alive and getting stronger as Christmas approaches.
Gifts are starting to show up for the annual Provost and District Family and Community Support Services co-ordinated project.
The spirit of giving is alive and getting stronger as Christmas approaches.
Gifts are starting to show up for the annual Provost and District Family and Community Support Services co-ordinated project.
Director Leslie Steffenhagen said in a recent interview that she hopes there are more gifts to come because she believes the need will be even greater than last year when 38 hampers were handled by the agency.
Last year it was “unbelievable” that there were so many gifts appearing. This year there could be more referrals because of the drought situation that the area was hit with. “This is a concern.”
Steffenhagen, who has filled in as director since mid-July covering for a maternity leave adds that the St. Thomas Aquinas Grade 11 class and the Provost Public Grade 3 students will also help organize the gifts and sort food donations.
Items for eating should be non-perishable (and non-home-made) because there is no refrigeration handy. As well no used gifts should be sent. “We are trying to provide children with new gifts.” On the final day of sorting some meat and vegetables will be added to hampers.
Cash donations are also being made to the cause. Boxes are also set up at other communities including Czar, Hughenden, Cadogan and Bodo.
Some boxes may be set up for special occasions says Steffenhagen such as the inter-faith Christmas party, the Kinsmen party, STA School concert and Farmers’ Market.
Families or individuals can be referred to receive a hamper by contacting F.C.S.S., a church or service group, school, hospital, community agency or municipal council, with their consent. Names and family information are kept in confidence. Recipients must be experiencing financial difficulty.
“I hope more (gifts) are to come in.” And, adds the director, they always welcome volunteers for wrapping the gifts, especially near the end of the campaign.Print version and picture in
December 4 edition of The Provost News
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