By Times Chronicle Staff
The Oliver Knights of Columbus expect to provide more than 220 hampers during the service group’s Christmas Hamper campaign this year, significantly more than the 10 families that received food in the first campaign 51 years ago.
Coordinator Wayne Danbrook said the need is higher than ever due to the ceaseless rise in costs which are at least 10 per cent higher than last year.
The Knights provide baskets full of food to help people through the Christmas Season all of which is donated by Oliver residents and businesses either in non-perishable goods or through monetary donations.
From November 15 food collection boxes were placed around town, but Danbrook says monetary donations are preferred, as 80 per cent of the food in the hampers is purchased.
The Knights organize the collection, purchase food, fill the hampers and arrange for their distribution.
In order to receive the hampers families must be registered with the Oliver Food Bank. The distribution takes place at Christ the King Catholic Church in the lower hall on Saturday, December 16.
Donations can be made by cheques payable to the Knights of Columbus/ Hamper Project, P.O. Box 343, Oliver, BC, V0H 1T0. For special pickups call either Wayne Danbrook at 250-498-2745 or Gary Mythen at 250-498-0653.
