The 58th Christmas Sharing Program launched Tuesday.
Christmas Sharing helps families in need with the extra cost of food over the holiday season.
Chair of the Christmas Sharing Board of Directors Cathy Orr expects the need for the program to increase again this year.
“Absolutely. Absolutely you know, like, with the cost of everything rising these days, you know, food insecurity is rampant and we are expecting record numbers this year for sure.”
Last year 1,360 families and individuals registered for the program resulting in 3,027 adults and children receiving assistance in the form of food hampers or grocery gift cards.
More than 400 food hampers were distributed.
Orr says hampers include the basics for a Christmas dinner.
“We make sure that demographics of the family are provided so that a person sponsoring the food hamper knows the size of the family, the ages of the children, that sort of thing. And they tend to put in some extra little nice treats and things for the family.”
In 2024 there were also 759 children aged 10 and under who were registered for the Belleville Firefighters Toy Drive.
Christmas Sharing is solely funded through monetary donations.
Volunteers are also always welcome.
For those wishing to receive assistance through the program, registration runs from November 3 to November 28.
It must done in-person from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday at the Christmas Sharing office on the second floor of Century Place in downtown Belleville.
Identification and proof of household income are required.
More information on how to donate or apply for the program here.
