Organizers of the Christmas Sharing Program expect to be helping more families this year.
With just over a week to go until registration ends, more than 800 families have already signed up for the program which helps with food insecurity over the holidays.
Last year almost 1,400 families received help either with a food hamper or grocery gift cards.
Program co-ordinator Hazel Lloyst says they are still in need of donations and hopes people open their hearts and wallets once again.
“The cost of food, cost of living. We’re finding that, you know, we have two-generation, sometimes three-generation families that are now living in the same home because of the cost of living and we want to help as many as we can.”
The Christmas Sharing Program has been a staple of the Belleville area since 1967.
Monetary donations are accepted but donors also have the option to sponsor a hamper for a family.
“We usually have about 500 food hampers sponsored through individuals, businesses, schools, churches and organizations. We provide them with a suggested food list. So with the suggested food list, they would then go out, do the shopping, put everything together and they would deliver to that family.”
Families with children aged 10 and under will also be registered for the Belleville Firefighters Toy Drive.
Registration for the Christmas Sharing Program continues until 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.
To donate, cash, cheques or money orders can be dropped off in person at the office or mailed to:
The Christmas Sharing Program
PO Box 22056
199 Front Street, Suite 206A
Belleville, ON K8N 5V7
PO Box 22056
199 Front Street, Suite 206A
Belleville, ON K8N 5V7
A registered tax receipt will be provided for donations of $20 or more made directly to the Christmas Sharing Program.
Donations via credit card will be accepted through the Canadahelps.org website.
