Many volunteers of all ages helped fill 100 Christmas hampers organized through Smoky River Family and Community Support Services on Dec. 17 in Falher at the Chevalier Centre.

Christmas 2007 will be much brighter for many low-income families and residents in the Smoky River region, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of their friends and neighbours. Almost 100 Christmas hampers were distributed to more than 160 adults and 127 children through Smoky River Family and Community Support Services, says Jean Moore, FCSS coordinator of community development. Last Christmas 99 hampers provided food for 168 adults and 131 children. Residents give generously “Food hampers were abundant with ham, canned food, oranges, and pineapples, while each child received two gifts, thanks to the generosity of residents, businesses, organizations, and schools throughout the region,” says Moore. “The Christmas hamper program would not happen without the generosity of everyone who lends a hand.” “A special big hug to to all the students and staff at Georges P. Vanier school who had a challenge this year that saw them donate 3,980 items, and $1,213.14 in cash.” Each year, local schools work hard to provide for the less fortunate in their communities. “These young people are proof that giving and sharing is alive and well in our communities,” says Moore. “Many individuals also donate…..this year, and older gentleman gave a loonie for each day of the year….what a great idea!” Cash donations received reflect that the Smoky River region gave one dollar for each person residing in the area, says Moore, which is around 5,000. Smoky River FCSS coordinates the many volunteers who donate time and talents to assemble the hampers. Students from L’École Heritage in Falher donated time to sort all the grocery donations. Every year, these students sort thousands of kilograms of food so that volunteers and more easily assemble the hampers, says Moore. A special big “thanks” goes to the Smoky River 4-H 4-Ever Club who chose and wrapped the donated gifts for the children and youth in the families receiving hampers. “These young people are always enthusiastic and genuinely concerned that each child receives as good a gift as possible,” says Moore. “This plus all the food and gifts received makes this a very giving and generous area in which to live.” FCSS says “thanks” to volunteers who delivered hampers. . As always, the Knights of Columbus who spearheaded the deliveries for Falher, Girouxville, Donnelly. . Pam Elford who organizes deliveries in the McLennan area. Special thanks to: . Agriculture Financial Services Corporation for storage space. . Association Canadienne-Francoise de l’Alberta (ACFA) – Peace region – for use of the Chevalier Centre in Falher. . Royal Canadian Legion of McLennan for use of the Legion Hall in McLennan. “The Christmas hamper program would not happen without the generosity of everyone who lends a hand.” “Thank you, merci, and Joyeux Noel to all!”