Organizers are preparing for another record number of Christmas Hampers this year.

The Fort Saskatchewan campaign, already underway, is expecting a 25 per cent increase in demand, and hopes to raise $125,000, says Amanda Bell, executive director of the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank.

Demand for regular hampers is up 20 per cent again this year, following a trend that has been with us for many years now. Half of all those using the food bank are under the age of 18, Bell adds.

The local campaign delivered 341 hampers in 2023, compared with 280 in 2022, 243 in 2021 and 200 in 2020.

The food bank is better able to meet this demand thanks to the $2 million donation made by Dow earlier this year, Bell says. That money will pay off the mortgage on the building, build a new community kitchen and purchase a refrigerated vehicle for food deliver.

But that help only provides the framework for the job, Bell explains. Donations of food and money are still needed to fill hampers every week and especially at Christmas. And the work still relies on a massive team of dedicated volunteers.

Donate to the 2025 campaign at local grocery stores or at the food bank itself at 11226 88 Avenue.

Apply for a Christmas hamper before Dec. 6.

Drivers will be needed for hamper delivery day on Saturday, Dec. 21, from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.