Community support for Christmas hampers grows with local need

January 10, 2019 · 0 Comments

Written By MARNI WALSH

The Chair of the Shelburne Christmas Hamper Program, Bobbi Ferguson, says “The response from the community this year and the need was tremendous.” Donors and sponsors of the Christmas Hamper Program “helped make Christmas a little brighter for over 86 families and 25 March of Dimes clients,” says Ms. Ferguson.

This is a huge increase – up 30 percent since 2017, but the residents and service clubs of Shelburne rose to the challenge.

The Hamper Program Chair told the Free Press this week, “The 2018 Shelburne Christmas Hamper campaign would not have been a success without the kind businesses, organizations and individuals in our town who gave of their time and resources. We were especially privileged to, once again, have the help of some Centre Dufferin District High School teachers and students whose assistance we could not have done without.”

Personal care items were donated by some of the Shelburne area churches and Compass Church Shelburne donated $750 for the purchase of dairy products. Each family was given a grocery gift card, all the components for a festive dinner, as well as, nonperishable food items and chocolates.

Every child 12 and older was given a gift card and there were enough toys, books, games and clothing items for all the children under 12.

Ms. Ferguson says there are so many people to thank – she worries that she may forget someone. She credits the success to the community as a whole, with the special support of service clubs like the Rotary Club, volunteers Jay and Deb Wagstaff and Len Guchardi, along with the Shepherd’s Cupboard Food Bank coming together to raise $1,300 at the Spaghetti Dinner; the Shelburne Kinettes for a $750 donation from their annual craft sale; the Jingle Jam at Duffy House raising $1,425 with guests donating personal care and food items, as well as an anonymous donor who matched any money raised at the event; the Economic Development Committee for donating $400 from the proceeds of the Ball Toss at their annual Golf Tournament; the Town of Shelburne; and Carol Maitland and Country 105 for promotion and advertising.

Special thanks goes out to the following sponsors, as well as the many more Shelburne and area residents who dropped food, toys and personal items in the collection boxes across town.

On the behalf of the Hamper Program, Bobbi Ferguson says, “Thank you to the volunteers and students for the many hours spent making this year’s hamper program a success. We appreciate everyone’s donations and contributions, and thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”

Donations made to the Shelburne Christmas Hamper Program benefit Shelburne families in need of assistance. As the town grows, the need becomes greater, and the call to donate continues. Monetary donations to the Hamper Program are accepted throughout the year in preparation for the 2019 campaign. Those interested in donating may contact Bobbi Ferguson at 519-278-4578.