Betsy Kline
Castlegar News
Christmas is known as a time of giving and the community of Castlegar has fully entered into the holiday spirit.
Collections and preparations for the distribution of this year’s Christmas Hampers through the Community Harvest Food Bank are in full swing. Everyone from local businesses and schools to firefighters seems to be in on the action.
With approximately 225 hamper applications this year, there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes. Donations have been a little light this year mostly due to the fact that there was no holiday community train collection event this year.
Donations of food, new toys, gifts or money can still be made Thursday and Friday at the Sandman banquet room where the assembly of the hampers will be taking place.
If you miss this year’s hamper deadline, there is still a need for donations to the food bank as the cupboards will be bare after the distribution and needs continue on into the new year.
“This is a very, very generous community. I notice boxes at almost every venue I go in to. We really appreciate how this community supports us,” said hamper coordinator Val Field.
Zellstoff Celgar has been a generous supporter this year donating 275 grocery store gift cards of $25 each.
The Castlegar and District Public Library is collecting items for distribution in the Christmas hampers. This is the second year they have had a “Giving Tree.”
People are asked to bring new toques, gloves and scarves and hang them on the trees in the library. The trees are adorned with many beautiful handmade items as well as purchased items. The deadline for participation is today (December 18).
The library is also collecting books in partnership with Columbia Basin Alliance for Literacy for the Book Under Every Tree project. Books must be in like new condition and will be added to the local Christmas Hampers.
Thanks to a generous community and the hard work of many volunteers the hampers will be given out this Saturday.
“The Community Harvest Food Bank really thanks the community and the organizations for what has been donated,” said Field.