Christmas Hamper program under way in Kincardine

The Kincardine Community Services Association has announced the kick-off of its 2017 Christmas Hamper program. The program continues to rely on the generous support of the community.

Families and individuals, who are in need of assistance this Christmas and wish to receive a hamper, should contact their social worker, counsellor, school principal, health professional, minister or helping agency, no later than Dec. 1 to have their names put on the list. It has been the practice of the association to have these third-party referrals to maintain the integrity of the program.

The volunteers who put the hampers together, use the donated items to make up a large box of non-perishable food, a gift card for some perishable goods (turkey, potatoes, milk, etc), gifts for children, and usually hats and mitts for all. Increasingly, the need is for food, and festive items are always a treat.

New toys, baby food, diapers and gifts for teens and single adults (good books, games, winter wear, wallets, hair care and accessories, stationery, personal care items, jewellery) are appreciated. Donations of gift certificates for local stores or restaurants are also welcome.

Once again, the association is teaming up with the Kincardine District Secondary School Christmas Knights who will come knocking at your door during their annual food and toy drive, Saturday, Dec. 9, from 9 a.m. to Noon. All of their donations go to the Christmas Hamper program.

There will also be donation drop-off boxes at Fincher’s, The Bargain Shop and Canadian Tire stores until Dec. 8. The local sorority will place small fir trees in Fincher's and Sobeys to accept knitted and sewn items to be included in the hampers.

If the above dates don’t work for you, or you are not going to be home when the Christmas Knights come around, your donations (including monetary ones) can be dropped off at the program depot at St. Anthony’s Parish Hall, Friday, Dec. 8, from 10 a.m. to Noon and 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Also, monetary donations can be sent to Rhodora Doughty, P.O. Box 527, Kincardine, Ontario, N2Z 2Y9. Please make cheques payable to Kincardine Community Services Association. If you have questions, call the co-ordinator of this year's program, Heather Finnie, at 519-396-2001.