From left, Ralf Frankie, Wayne Danbrook and Dale Dodge unload a truck full of donated food at the church hall. File photo
This Christmas, the Oliver Knights of Columbus, with the help of the Food Bank, are again undertaking the Christmas Hamper Campaign.
The original campaign 44 years ago provided food for 10 families. In 2014 we filled over 200 hampers, and we expect at least that again this year.
Last year the citizens and businesses of Oliver and surrounding area responded very generously with donations of non-perishable goods, as well as with monetary gifts, to enable the Knights of Columbus to provide a basket full of food to help people through the Christmas season.
The Knights organize the collection of goods, purchase food, and then fill the hampers and arrange for their distribution.
The Oliver Food Bank, closed over the Christmas period, provides us with a list of registered people needing assistance. After Christmas, any extra food from the hamper program is given to the Food Bank.
On November 18 we will be placing food collection boxes in the Oliver Chronicle office and various other businesses including SuperValu, Buy-Low Foods, Shoppers Drug Mart, The Bargain Store, Dollarama and the Oliver Legion.
The Chronicle has been instrumental for many years as a collection and food drop-off point, and as a provider of “Tummy Bags,” and for this we are very thankful. The distribution of the hampers will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19 at Christ the King Catholic Church (lower hall).
Monetary donations to the hampers are most welcome as 80 per cent of the food in the hampers is purchased.
If you decide to include us as one of the organizations you donate to, please make cheques payable to the Knights of Columbus /Hamper Project, P.O. Box 343, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0.
Unfortunately, the Oliver Knights of Columbus is not a Registered Charitable Organization so we are unable to issue tax receipts.
We are always looking for new volunteers to help us make a difference in the lives of many families every Christmas. Help is needed with assembling the 200 hampers at the hall.
Please call 250-498-2745 for more information.
By Wayne Danbrook
