The annual Kettle River Lion’s Club Christmas Hamper Drive is officially under way, and with it comes the need for donations from the public to help feed those who struggle financially, particularly during the Christmas season.
Drive coordinator Phil Gunhouse is proud of the work done by the Lions to help fill a void that numerous Boundary families and individuals experience at this time of year; last year, the club delivered 119 hampers stocked with both non-perishable items such as canned goods and perishables like festive hams, though the club expects that number to drop slightly this year, due to displacement by the Rock Creek fire and several people passing in the community.
Donations can be made at the traditional locations, including the Heritage Credit Union in Greenwood, Rock Creek’s Christian Valley Service (CVS) and Kettle River Woodcraft, along with McMynn’s Family Foods in Midway. This year, CVS proprietor Carol Thom has erected a Christmas tree inside the store, on which hamper contributors are encouraged to hang an ornament upon making their donations.
Children’s toys and warm clothing are also welcome donations, and those wishing to donate cash can do so at CVS.
Last year the Lions spent approximately $10,000 on goods to go along with those donated, and also got a healthy helping hand from the Kelowna Food Bank, which it will be the beneficiary of again this month. The Lions are hoping that people will be even more generous this year and make the hampers particularly special.
Hamper deliveries are made by Lion’s members themselves, along with Greenwood’s Board of Trade, which takes care of drop-offs in that community. All communities in the West Boundary are serviced
“The hamper delivery is an event which Lion’s Club members very much enjoy together,” said Gunhouse, “and we are so happy when we are able to get out in the community like this and help families on an individual basis. It’s what Christmas is all about.”
