The season of giving continues on with the upcoming opening of the Christmas Hamper depot on Nov. 28.
The Smithers Community Services-run food drive connects families with a stocked box full of food, and even includes some gifts for the kids.
The depot’s opening is a little earlier than last year, said one of the Hamper organizers Kristy Orr. This year’s schedule gives them some extra time to organize in their location which is the same as last year, inside the Smithers Mall.
The depot will be open Mondays to Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. once it opens.
The depot will remain open until their delivery day on Dec. 17.
“Once the depot opens its doors we’re hoping to fill it up,” said Orr, who is co-running the show along with Anne Harfenist.
What they need for the hampers are non-perishable food items, new toys (they can’t accept used) and books.
People have until Dec. 15 to donate to the cause.
Anyone who wants to sign up for a hamer has until Dec. 9 to do so.
People are also welcome to sponsor a family and they will be provided a list of suggested items to fill a box with.
People are also welcome to donate cash, but it is preferred people take cash donations to the Community Services office on Railway, rather than the depot.
Volunteers are also requested to help out around the depot, and people can stop in at the depot or at the community services office to sign up.
Demand is always high for hampers. Last year organizers handed out 346 hampers, and the number hovers around 350 each year.
This is the Christm as Hamper’s 27th year.