As the Cloverdale Christmas Hamper campaign enters its final push for donations to meet the need, the program has earned a strong show of support from another organization dedicated to helping the community – the Cloverdale Legion.
On Tuesday, Royal Canadian Legion Branch 6 members Jan Campbell-Brewer, left, and publicity chair Anne Sharkey, presented a $2,000 cheque to Trish and Kevin Lunder of the Cloverdale Christmas Hamper Program.
In the past, Branch 6 has run its own Christmas hamper program, distributing about 15 last year.
But members decided to refer their applicants to the Cloverdale Christmas Hamper Program, a non-denominational program that provides food aid and gifts to several hundred families and individuals in the Cloverdale area each December.
Donation boxes are also located throughout the Cloverdale community, from businesses to local schools, which are some of the program's biggest supporters in terms of collecting non-perishable food items and more.
The donation deadline is approaching fast.
Donations of food, new toys and cash are being accepted to Dec. 10. Donations can be made at Pacific Community Church at 5337 180 Street or online at www.pacificcommunity.ca/ministries/cloverdale-hamper-program.
On Saturday, Hillcrest Village Shopping Centre hosts Cloverdale Community Cares, a one-day donation blitz to collect as many donations as possible for the Cloverdale Christmas Hamper Program. The Surrey RCMP will be on hand, as will Surrey Firefighters, along with a firetruck (subject to availability). Santa Claus will be handing out candy canes. Enjoy hot chocolate and more. That runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the parking lot outside PriceSmart.
Hampers will be assembled at Pacific Community Church next week by volunteers in advance of hamper pick up day on Dec. 14.
Kevin Lunder, who acts as program lead along with his wife, Trish, said he was feeling confident that this year's campaign will meet the demand, which appears to be up from last year.
Applications are up by 20 per cent over last year, he said. The program assisted more than 230 families and individuals in 2012.Follow the Cloverdale Reporter on 
Twitter and 
Facebook.