Christmas food hamper program is back

Anyone who finds it difficult to keep food on the tables—especially at Christmas—and who lives in the Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Clinton, Walhachin, Bonaparte, and Spences Bridge areas, can take advantage of the annual Christmas food hamper program.

A group of volunteers has been providing the hampers for many years. The program operates under the umbrella of the Ashcroft and Area Community Resource Society, and is separate from the food bank program operated by the South Cariboo Elizabeth Fry Society.

Planning is currently underway to provide the Christmas food hampers again this year, and volunteers would like to hear from those in need of a hamper, as well as those who would like to help: either by donations (monetary or food), or by helping to pack and/or deliver the hampers when they are ready (the week of December 14 to 17).

Application forms for the hampers will be available in Ashcroft, Cache Creek, Clinton, Walhachin, Bonaparte, and Spences Bridge. Posters showing where and when to apply will be going up in area communities by the end of October, with most of the applications taken during the week of November 14 to 18 (a few additional dates will be available in Ashcroft only).

During the month of November, the buggy near the exit door at Safety Mart in Ashcroft will collect food for the Christmas hampers, and people are encouraged to make a special extra purchase of a food item or items to put in the cart. Other donation boxes will be going up throughout local communities.

Many businesses support the Christmas food hamper cause with monetary donations, and individuals who would like to donate are encouraged to send a cheque (payable to the Ashcroft and Area Community Resources Society) to P.O. Box 1137, Ashcroft, B.C., V0K 1A0. The organization is a registered charity, so all donors will receive an income tax receipt. Every dollar sent helps provide support for someone who needs it, and will put a feeling of joy in the donor’s heart.

For more information about the program, or to volunteer as a helper, please contact Esther Lang at (250) 453-9085.