Falher and Girouxville branches of Caisse Horizon Credit Union donated $400 to the Smoky River FCSS Christmas hamper program. Pictured are Monique Jean-Cote, Renelle Blanchette, FCSS director Penny Fox, Carmen Thibault, Joanne Brulotte, and Janet Pelletier. Bottom row is Helen Chalifoux and Chris Gullett. Missing from the photo is Barb Geddes, Sharon Bedard and Therese Gosselin.

There are only two days left to contribute to the Smoky River Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Christmas hamper effort. FCSS Director Penny Fox is asking local communities to donate non-perishable items before tomorrow evening. “We are still looking for donations up until Dec. 18 as we will be packing the Christmas hampers on Friday,” says Fox. “We are looking for cash donations, non-perishable food, or gifts for the children.” Fox explains money donated is used to purchase many food items to be used not only on Christmas day, but for the entire week. “We have a whole list of items that we need to buy, including; ham, margarine, milk, Christmas oranges, carrots and juices,” Fox explains. “We want to make sure families have enough food to last them throughout the holiday week, not just Christmas Day.” Fox reminds residents if they would like to donate toys and gifts to the hamper, that there is always a shortage of teenage items. “We usually buy things like watches, purses, jewellery and other items for the teenagers,” says Fox, who explains any item is greatly appreciated. Last week, FCSS received $400 from the Falher and Girouxville Caisse Horizon Credit Union branches. Fox says the money will go a long way to helping to meet the demand for Christmas hampers. Each year, FCSS puts hamper depots at different locations around the region to ease the stress of the holiday season. FCSS event coordinator Jean Moore explains the need for donations to the hampers has risen due to a highly inflated economy. “Last year we distributed 101 hampers to people from around the region,” says Moore. “This food likely fed about 170 adults and 134 children, we are expecting a similar or elevated demand this year for the hampers.” There are currently drop-off centres at the Falher IDA Pharmacy, IGA, Fields, Falher and District Co-op, The Bargain Store, Credit Union, ATB Financial, Routhier School and Heritage School. Drop-off centres in Girouxville are Credit Union and Crick’s Corner. Donnelly residents can donate at Kan’s Corner, G.P. Vanier School or the Catholic Church. McLennan residents can donate at IDA Pharmacy or Lakeview Foods. Christmas hamper pick-up stations will be held on Dec. 20 at both the Chevaliers Centre in Falher and the Legion Hall in McLennan. Moore explains families in need are responsible for the pick-up of their hampers at those locations. “We are well aware this year it will be tough to give to food hampers,” explains Moore, who says she recognizes the cost of items and that a slight recession in the economy has made purses a little tighter. “We hope people can dig deep to help others in need. Moore says cash donations are welcome at the FCSS office in the Town of Falher building or individuals can call Jean or Penny at the office at 780-837-2220. “We really appreciate the hard work our communities do for the food hampers each year, especially the schools,” says Moore.