Danielle McIntyre (far right) speaking at the Christmas Hope kick-off at Lethbridge City Hall on Nov. 1, 2019 (Lethbridge News Now)

By Justin Goulet

Christmas Hope campaign kicks off in Lethbridge

Nov 1, 2019 | 12:04 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Local organizations have teamed up this holiday season for a great cause.

The Lethbridge Food Bank, Interfaith Food Bank, Salvation Army, Lethbridge Family Services Angel Tree and My City Care Shop of Wonders are teaming up for the Christmas Hope initiative, in its 13th year.

Each organization will be holding different events to collect food, toys and funds for families in need. The goal this year is to collect enough supplies to help 2,000 adults and 4,000 children.

“Last year, we were close to 2,000 households. We have no idea how many households will come out this year. We tend to see a lot of people who maybe don’t necessarily need help with food come forward at Christmas time because those extra expenses of having the gifts at Christmas is difficult for them,” said Danielle McIntyre with Interfaith Food Bank.

Three Christmas hampers will be filled between the five participating organizations. Anyone who may be in need can register for hampers as of today, Nov. 1. The hampers will be filled with food for the month of December and additional supplies for the Christmas holiday.

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The organizations are asking for food donations from community members, with some of the most wanted items including turkey, ham, chicken, cereal, pork and beans and dry pasta.

Christmas Hope signage at the kick-off event at Lethbridge City Hall on Nov. 1, 2019 (Lethbridge News Now)

McIntyre said fortunately, they’ve seen numbers come down at the food banks in terms of households with women and children.

“But we’re finding that adults that live alone are often being left behind, so the demographic has changed a little bit,” she remarked.

“Also, by adding different agencies with different cache areas, we’re seeing the numbers of children rising for our Christmas campaign because we’re reaching more kids by working together.”

In addition to food, the Salvation Army, Angel Tree and Shop of Wonders will be putting together toy bundles, hoping to provide gifts for 4,000 children.

Each organization will provide bundles worth $60 to $80, thanks to donations from the community.

Registration for toy bundles is on from today (Nov. 1) until Dec. 23, with the first toy distribution period starting December 1. Some gift suggestions include action figures, books, board games and puzzles.

McIntyre said the hope is that a program like this will bring a sense of relief to families.

“I think every family knows what it’s like to try to make that Christmas season so festive and special. When you’re struggling financially, it’s just an extra burden that you’re carrying. It’s wonderful to see the community step up and the relief on the parents’ faces when they’re able to walk out of any of our agencies with the supplies to make that Christmas special at home,” she told LNN.

She said that with all the agencies working together, they’re able to help a wider range of people in need, noting that families can register on one master list.

“We’ll share the workload of making sure that every family is going to have the opportunity to have their Christmas meal as well as food for December, and all the special Christmas things like the gifts under the tree for the children.”

More details, including a comprehensive of list of needed food and toy suggestions as well as information on how residents can get involved can be found through the Christmas Hope website.