Annual holiday hamper program begins registration

November 4, 2022 · 0 Comments

Written By Brian Lockhart

The annual Shelburne Hamper Program is ready to start working on filling baskets for the holiday season.

The annual event has several local service clubs take part in sponsoring the program which provides food and other items for people who could use a little help around the holiday season.

The Hamper Assistance Program committee provides assistance to qualifying families in the Shelburne area. It is open to those requiring assistance no matter how they celebrate the holiday season.

If you are already a food bank client, you can apply with your regular food bank visit in November.

“The service clubs in Shelburne are all involved, they work together,” said organizer, Bobbi Ferugson. “We start collecting, without advertising too much, in early October, starting with asking people who have contributed in the past. I wait until after Remembrance Day before we really start promoting it. The community comes together and we have Lennox Farms, and Downey’s who give potatoes and produce. We have churches that donate with health and beauty aids like shampoos and body washes and things like that. We also collect money because we buy groceries and gift cards for the families and also gift cards for kids between ages 12 and 18, and we have a toy drive and buy toys for the younger ones. It’s a basic registration. Although we would like to say it’s open to everyone, we have to help those that have the most need. Through November, you can register at the Food Bank on their days on Wednesday and Thursday at the Food Bank. And there are two other days at the Mel Lloyd Centre.”

You can donate by visiting the website: ShelburneChristmasHampers.com or by calling 519-278-4578.”

Last year the Hamper Program helped 167 families.

Registration dates for the program are Wednesday, Nov. 30, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Thursday, Dec. 1, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Registration will take place at the Mel Lloyd Centre, at 167 Centre ST., in Shelburne, entrance ‘C’ on the second floor.