Organizers of the annual hamper program in Quinte West expect the need will be even bigger this year.
Catherine’s Kitchen took over the hamper program from the Salvation Army in 2020.
Each hamper contains everything needed for a full Christmas dinner including a turkey, potatoes, carrots, bread and pie.
Catherine’s Kitchen representative Carla Sowden says everyone from young families to seniors are struggling.
“Last year we did 493 hampers. So far this year, with us only opening for three weeks, I’m already at 426 hampers. And I still have three more weeks to go. So I’m thinking our numbers are going to be closer to 600 families this year.”
They are accepting monetary donations for the program.
Starting Saturday, volunteers will be manning ‘donation stations’ in Trenton.
“Like the Salvation Army used to have kettles. So we call them donation stations. So they’re in Freshco, Independent, Canadian Tire and Metro. People can go into the grocery stores and they can put their donation into the box.”
The donation stations will be open Wednesday through Sunday until December 20.
Donations can be made online at catherineskitchen.ca, e-transferred to catherineskitchen20@gmail.com or mailed to: Catherine’s Kitchen, 15 South Street, Trenton, Ontario K8V 2N5
Sowden says they are also looking for volunteers to host the donation stations.
Anyone interested in volunteering can email donationstationscontact@gmail.com or call (613) 955-7500.
For those wishing to receive a hamper this holiday season, registration is open until December 5 online at catherineskitchen.ca or calling (613) 955-7500.
Sowden says when people register for a hamper they will also be connected to the Adopt-a-Child clothing program and the Kinsmen Toy Drive.
She also extends thanks to all the service clubs and businesses who contribute to the program annually.
Catherine’s Kitchen, located at 15 South Street in Trenton, provides free lunches Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays – a service it also took over when the Salvation Army ended its Trenton operations.
