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Christmas Hampers delivered in time for Christmas, need greater than ever

December 23, 2021   ·   0 Comments

The Alliston Lions packed, and delivered their Christmas Hampers in time for the holidays.

This year, 145 families and more than 200 children benefitted from the work of the Lions, who have been collecting toys, food, gift cards and cash – with help from the local business community, residents of New Tecumseth, and first responders – since just after Remembrance Day.

The Hampers – filled with everything a might family need to celebrate Christmas, and collected during the Fill a Bus and Stuff a Cruiser events, along with the “Red Barrels of Happiness” placed at local businesses – were hand packed at the Lions Hall on Boyne Street and delivered to registered participants earlier this week.

“Planning for our Christmas Hampers starts after the August long weekend, and the donations we’ve received have been instrumental in us being able to provide for the less fortunate,” said Mike Jerry, Alliston Lions Club Chair.

Jerry told The Times he was pleased with this year’s haul, but worries about continuing to serve the community as the COVID–19 pandemic continues.

“We are very concerned about next year, in this challenging economic climate,” said Jerry. “This year, some of our Hamper applicants were still utilizing the COVID CERB or EI programs.”

Any food that could not fit into the Hampers was donated forward to the Good Shepherd Food Bank – serving Alliston and surrounding area.  

“The Alliston Lions are so truly fortunate to be able to represent the communities we serve,” said Jerry. “We continue to be in awe of our generous, caring and giving community in providing for the less fortunate.”

Although next year’s numbers are still unknown, Jerry says the Alliston Lions are up to the challenge.

“Where there is a need, there is a Lion,” he said.

By Wendy Gabrek

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