PREECEVILLE - Filling the Gap Christmas food hampers program is once again in full swing with collection boxes set up at various locations.
"Applications for Christmas hampers are out via the mail and school and forms are now coming in,” stated Barb Biccum, coordinator.
“For many of us, Christmas is truly a wonderful time of year, however for some families, their financial situation means that there is no extra money for Christmas celebrations, stated Biccum. In our area, we have the annual Christmas Hamper program which is a joint project of Filling the Gap, the Preeceville and District Ministerial Association and surrounding communities. The program reaches families in need in the communities of Sturgis, Preeceville, Endeavour, Buchanan, Stenen, Rama, Hazel Dell and Okla.
This is an important way to help vulnerable families in our area so we will do whatever is needed to be able to continue to do that.
"Last year we helped numerous families and provided gifts to children under the age of 15 years. Some changes to the program is that the application date deadline has moved up to Nov. 29 and the age limit for gifts has dropped to 12 and under," she said.
"Support from businesses, individuals, and service groups is what makes it all happen. Filling the Gap runs entirely on donations and it’s amazing to watch all the food, toys, and money come in. We also accept all monetary donations. About the middle of December, many volunteers gather together to sort the non-perishable food, and wrap the new gifts donated."
Boxes are set up at businesses in Preeceville, Buchanan, Sturgis and Endeavour.
The local churches and ministerial association also play a huge part in collecting donations and assembling hampers. The program has been operating for numerous years and has helped many community members during the Christmas season.
“We have acquired a fridge and a deep freeze, so we can accept donations of perishable items,” said Biccum.
The Filling the Gap program is also an all year long program that collects food and gives out hampers to the needy all year long. It provides a welcome source to everyone that requires a helping hand. They are always looking for volunteers to help gift wrap and or help sort all the food donated for the hampers.
