Students were invited to help out from Dec. 13 to 20 when the hampers are assembled at Pacific Community Church.
The organizers of a food drive that helped more than 300 families in Cloverdale last Christmas are kicking off this year’s campaign by first saying thank you to the many schools, businesses and community groups that provide critical support.
The Cloverdale Christmas Hamper program is a community effort that serves less fortunate families with food hampers and gifts to help make the holiday season a happier time.
The non-denominational program is comprised of churches, businesses, schools and other community organizations.Last year, applications were up 15 per cent over 2012.
More than half of donated non-perishable food items are collected by schools, says Kevin Lunder, who acts as program lead with his wife, Trish.
Last week, the Lunders and program school liaison Jon Pettigrew delivered appreciation plaques to long-time supporters in order to show how grateful and appreciative the program is of their exceptional hamper-raising efforts, and to congratulate them for so many “devoted years of encouragement and help to the Cloverdale community.”
“We just want to recognize people,” said Kevin Lunder. “It’s a big project, and we rely on the community to come forward.”
Students were invited to help out from Dec. 13 to 20 when the hampers are assembled at Pacific Community Church.
Hamper pickup day is Dec. 20.
Monday, look for more than 300 donation boxes at businesses throughout Cloverdale.
Visit www.pacificcommunity.ca/ministries/cloverdale-hamper-program, or call 604-574-4001 ext 107 to donate, volunteer, or apply.