Christmas hamper applications and donations are in full swing this holiday season at the four major hamper providers in Prince George - the Salvation Army, St. Vincent De Paul Society, the Prince George Native Friendship Centre, and the Prince George Council of Seniors.
At the Salvation Army, things are going as expected, said Neil Wilkinson, Prince George Salvation Army Captain.
"Right now we're looking at about 400 Christmas hamper applications and there's more coming in," said Wilkinson.
He noted that at this time of year the Salvation Army only handles a fraction of the usual 1,500 families that access the food bank every month as other organizations provide hampers as well.
"We're expecting to do between 500 and 600 Christmas hampers when all is said and done," said Wilkinson.
"I'm so grateful we're not the only ones doing the hampers because we're still running the food bank at the same time."
As far as donations are concerned, in-kind donations are not keeping up to previous averages, so that means food donations are down.
"And our toy donations are down a little bit this year, too, but we're going to make sure that every kid has an awesome Christmas but it's a little bit scary to look at our toy room right now," said Wilkinson.
Terra Laflamme, the adopt-a-family campaign coordinator, has a few ideas of what would be good for older children as donations are lacking in that area.
"Lego, hot wheels and model cars work for older children," said Laflamme. "Art supplies, craftsy stuff, kits to make jewelry - all those would work. We're also a little low on gifts for newborns too so any donations would be appreciated."
On the monetary donation side, things are better at the Salvation Army.
"We are tracking on par with cash donations, which is really great news," said Wilkinson.
"Our Kettle Campaign goal is $250,000, Tree of Lights campaign is $50,000 and that's the money we use to keep things hopping year round. We'd like to say a great big thank you to the community with a heart."
You can drop off food or toy donations at the Salvation Army service centre at 3500 18th Ave.
The St. Vincent De Paul Society is still in the process of taking applications for hampers and it looks like they are sitting at about 262 hamper applications so far, said Bernie Goold, chair of the St. Vincent de Paul's Society local board.
"The community has stepped up very generously to sponsor some of our hampers," said Goold.
"It's really nice. We're sitting at 93 sponsored hampers. That's really a tremendous increase over other years for us."
Last year's number was 65 sponsored hampers where those in need can offer a bit more information about their family during the application process and then members of the community, businesses and organizations provide a few extras including food, gifts for each family member, special toys for the children and even clothing.
Food donations have been plentiful as well.
"We've had a couple of really nice food donations come in," said Goold.
"The Hart Highlands Community Association does a huge food drive every year and it keeps growing and we have one from Bellamy Road that takes a snap shot of the Hart Highlands food drive and it's been very successful."
St. Vincent's never knows what's going to happen after Christmas as they have no funding and only rely on the generosity of members of the community.
"The one thing that we always seem to lack is gifts for those children aged 11 to 16," said Goold.
The question is always what to buy. Goold suggests something that works for both girls and boys.
"Everyone seems to love hoodies - and it doesn't seem to matter if they're too big," she laughed.
"Or maybe gift certificates to the movies, swimming or to the mall. I know that might not seem like a real gift but to have the opportunity to visit the mall when you don't have any money at all - well that's special."
Goold said she knows it's a miracle that St. Vincent de Paul Society keeps its door open 365 days a year.
"I know we blow people's minds when we say we have no budget, we have no business plan and the generosity of the community keeps us going," said Goold.
"It's incredible how generous the community is and when you think it's not just us - it's all around. This year there's quite an upbeat feeling and people are really wanting to do something."
To donate to St. Vincent de Paul's drop by 1220 Second Ave. Monday to Friday, or Saturday and Sunday mornings or call 250-564-7871.
To volunteer for any of the
St. Vincent de Paul Society's projects visit www.ssvdppg.com.
The Native Friendship Centre has received 185 hamper applications so far.
The Centre will be getting a shipment of non-perishables from a local grocery store and when that arrives this morning, many volunteers will gather to take on the chore of moving the items from truck to hamper preparation room, said Emma Faulkner, health department team leader at the Native Friendship Centre.
"We'll get our perishable shipment on Monday and then staff will be in full swing, putting together eggs, bacon, ham or turkey and mandarin oranges with the rest of the food, loading up the PGNFC vehicles, and delivering around the community," said Faulkner.
"Then by 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 14, we'll be open for applicants to come in to pick up their hampers."
People are still welcome to drop off donations weekdays from
8:40 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Centre except on Dec. 24 and 31 when the doors will close at noon.
Pocket Theatre coordinators presented a radio play at the College of New Caledonia last week and they asked the audience to donate Christmas hamper items as part of the admission.
"They've brought a large donation including toys, food, and cash to the Friendship Centre, which was great," said Faulkner.
Community radio station CFIS 93.1 FM will broadcast the play Friday at 8 p.m. for those who want to tune in, she added.
Because the Native Friendship Centre offers food hampers to community members all year round, donations are always welcome, said Faulkner.
Suggested donations include canned beans, corn, soups, tuna, tomato sauce, rice, flour, sugar, peanut butter, jam, powdered milk, as well as items like carrots, potatoes, onions, butter, eggs, apples, oranges, and frozen beef.
"Thank you so much" to the community for their generous donations, added Faulkner.
The Prince George Council of Seniors has 208 applications for hampers and that's up slightly from last year, said manager Lola Dawn Fennell.
"Donations are a little low at this point," said Fennell.
"We know that Prince George is a last-minute community so we're counting on that being the reason donations are a little low and we hope donations will come in the rest of this week and next week so things will really rock and roll, otherwise hampers for seniors could be a little slimmer this year."
If people would prefer not to shop or don't know what items to get for seniors, the Council of Seniors will take donations of cash or grocery store gift cards at their office at 721 Victoria St.
"And we will purchase the items needed for the seniors hampers," said Fennell.
"We like to thank everyone so much who's donated and volunteered time for this. We couldn't do this project without the community and we know the recipients will be equally as grateful."
The seniors hamper wish list can be found at www.pgcos.ca.
"We're looking for non-perishable nutritious foods - so things that are going to stick to people's ribs and fill bellies," said Fennell.
Drop off food donations during weekday business hours at the Prince George Citizen, 150 Brunswick St.
