Halloween is the time when kids all over town stuff their faces with goodies galore.
But the rest of the year, many families are struggling to put food on the table for their children. And at Christmas, the need is even greater.
So, high school students in Hope will once again be collecting donations at Halloween that will directly benefit local families at Christmastime.
The students are part of a group called SHOUT (Students Helping Out) at Hope Secondary School.
They take their Halloween for Hunger donations to Hope Community Services Food Bank’s hamper program, Holly Days.
“That really kicks off our fund raising,” says Kim Paolini, Community’s Services’ preventative coordinator.
“This is the third year this kids will have been doing something, and I think they’ve already started collecting food,” she says.
Holly Days started “way back” by a now-defunct radio station. Hope Community Services eventually took over, and have the support from several groups around the community.
Holly Days provided 376 hampers to residents in Hope, Boston Bar and surrounding First Nation bands last year.
Paolini says that families who aren’t able to make ends meet at Christmas are welcome to apply to the program. They will receive a food hamper, and parents are also able to “shop” from a selection of toys and presents. The timeframe for applying for a hamper is November 14 to December 12, and hampers are given out on December 14.
To donate, or find out more, phone 604-869-2466.
