A Christmas box of presents is delivered to families of students who may not otherwise be able to celebrate. (Horizon School Division/Facebook)

By Rachel May

A Helping Hamper

Christmas hamper project at Horizon School Division helps families celebrate the holidays

Nov 24, 2021 | 4:00 PM

The eighth annual Christmas hamper project is underway at Horizon School Division.

The project helps deliver a box of Christmas presents to families of students who may not otherwise be able to celebrate the holiday.

Kevin Garinger, Director of Education at Horizon School Division, said the hampers help families get together during the holidays.

“It costs about $30,000 to $40,000 to put the hampers together. Ultimately everyone would get something out of the hamper,” Garinger said.

The majority of the project is funded through staff and personal donations while Horizon School Division Board of Education will match all cash donations up to $5,000.

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Items families will receive in the hamper are essentials such as toques, gloves, scarfs, a toothbrush, toothpaste, books and possibly sweaters.

The hamper also includes a toy or an item that students could use in their studies and a gift card to a local grocery store to buy items for a holiday meal.

Students and families do not need to apply for a hamper, the school board enlists the help of school staff to find students and families who may benefit from some help during the holidays.

Garinger said they are preparing packages for around 150 families with the help of staff and students.

“Before COVID, students would help us with wrapping. Staff also sit down on their breaks to wrap and label presents.”

Over the past seven years, 802 families have received a Christmas hamper which has helped over 2,000 children.

“I can’t thank my staff enough for this idea, it started out small but it’s grown a lot,” he said.

For 2021 Christmas hampers, staff have already been working on items putting things together for nearly a month.

For those interested in donating to the Christmas Hamper project are encouraged to contact Marni Sogge, executive assistant for Horizon School Division, by phone at 306-682-8639 or by email at marni.sogge@horizonsd.ca.

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Rachel.May@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @RachelMayFM