THUNDER BAY — Partnering with 211 North again this year, the Regional Food Distribution Association is putting together hampers for those in need in the community during the holiday season.
The hampers are for those who are single, couples and seniors, with registrations now open through the RFDA's website.
June Gaw, the chair of the association's board of directors, said they expect to have higher registrations for hampers this year.
"Last year we distributed between 12 and 1,300 [hampers], the need has gone up tremendously since then." Gaw said, adding the RFDA is hoping to put together close to 1,500 hampers this year.
Local students will be helping with the hampers.
"Grade 8 students are coming [twice a week] to make cookies. The elementary grade students are making Christmas cards that will again be put into each hamper. When it comes time to pack the hampers, we call on the high schools for volunteers, and they come and get their volunteer hours," Gaw said.
Registration is open until Dec. 13, with food deliveries to four locations across the city on Dec. 14 and 15, and the Conmee delivery will be on Dec. 13.
Food donations can be made at the RFDA's office on Syndicate Ave, and monetary donations can be made through the website.
The city's other large Christmas hamper program — Thunder Bay Christmas Cheer — is aimed at helping families and children, and this one specifically caters to couples, single individuals and seniors in the city.
Details on the food hamper program can be found here.
