People with a demonstrated need for food assistance this winter have until Thursday to submit their applications to the food bank’s Christmas hamper program.
With a week left before the registration deadline, the food bank had 163 applications for the Christmas hampers, which will be distributed on Dec. 17, 18 and 19 from 2059 Garcia St.
The hamper program is not exclusive to food bank clients; it is available to anyone on a low income.
In past years, the focus of the hampers was switched to gift items, but food bank manager Marlene Fenton said this year, the focus will turn back to food.
“We’ve been able to access donated goods, so there’ll be some personal hygiene items in there, but there’ll be ham or turkey and we’re getting a larger allocation of vegetables,” she said.
Last year, there were 240 applications for the hamper program, which Fenton said she was planning on this year as well.
“We’re expecting a really busy last three days of registration,” she said.
Registration forms are available at the food bank, where they are processed.
The hamper program comes on the heels of a successful winter outerwear program, which wrapped up on Nov. 15.
During that program, the food bank distributed 88 sweaters, 62 winter coats, nine snow suits and 29 toques to 81 people.
Food bank volunteers have since moved any leftover items, including boots and coats, to the food bank to make way for Christmas hamper preparations, Fenton said.
Fenton said the program was short on gloves and socks, which is something winter wear program organizers will look into addressing next year.
The winter wear program also saw 28 bedding items donated to ASK Wellness, the extreme weather shelter, and the thrift store.
Fenton said the Merritt Integration Project has been helpful in sharing resources between social service agencies in the area. The project brings social service representatives together once a month to discuss trends, needs and services in the area.
Fenton said the food bank is entering its busiest season, and general support from local businesses and individuals is heating up as the weather gets colder and the holidays near.
