Selkirk hamper drive gearing up for 2023 season of helping people in need
Residents should look through their pantries and plan their grocery shopping now in preparation to donate to those in need this year. Big Hearts Hamper Drive is once again collecting to make the holidays special for those in need in our community.
“The reason the whole thing started was because they stopped the [previous] program in Selkirk and I didn’t want that to happen. So, we decided to start up our own, and this is the sixth year now. It’s grown to be something that really helps the community,” said Big Hearts Hamper Drive Founder Kevin Christianson.
The program will be supplying hampers to more than 400 families that need a helping hand this holiday season which Christianson says only helps a portion of the total families that are living below the poverty line in our community.
“I feel as though especially now with the economy in such a state where it’s tough to be able to go to a store and even buy a case of soup. I remember, when I was younger, you could go and get a case of soup for four bucks and now it’s $15 for 12 cans. Things have gotten exponentially more expensive than they were and people’s wages haven’t gone up to match. It’s one of those things. There are a lot of people who just cannot keep up with the bills anymore and to me, this is truly needed otherwise, there’d be a bunch of kids sitting there by the Christmas tree at Christmas with not a whole lot going on,” said Christianson.
Big Hearts provides all of the meal items needed in order for families to focus on togetherness while they celebrate the season. There are items for breakfast, lunch, and supper meals as well as presents for all members of the family including parents.
They provide many hampers to people in the City of Selkirk but also have hampers going out to Lockport, Petersfield, and Clandeboye.
“Every year we’re learning from the previous year, and we’re adding things that are making things easier for the volunteers, and easier for the people to come pick up their hampers. This year, for example, we’ve got the Agricultural Building in Selkirk Park as our headquarters,” said Christianson.
In previous years, Harvester Outdoors in Selkirk generously provided the space for Big Hearts to store items and put hampers together and while Christianson said he has greatly appreciated their help over the first five years, he’s glad to not have pallets of food in their way.
This year there are many local businesses that will be accepting donations for Big Hearts Hamper Drive and they were also collecting outside of Safeway beside the Coke Truck last weekend.
Home Hardware in Selkirk in addition to accepting donated items will be accepting financial donations which go a long way to filling the gaps in the hamper program’s list of needs. Some needed items include:
• Pancake Mix
• Syrup
• Stuffing
• Sugar
• Cereal
• Canned Meats
• Cranberry Sauce
• Pasta Sauce
• Children’s Toys
• Pasta
• Desserts
• Gravy
• Coffee
• Corn
• Beans
• Peanut Butter
• Rice
In addition to accepting donations, Home Hardware is hosting a draw for a beautiful rocking horse which will support the hamper program.
“We are pleased to have contributed to this great cause. Recognizing the escalating costs, particularly during the holiday season, we anticipate an increased demand for assistance within the community. While we have collaborated in previous years, our commitment has deepened in the current year, and we are enthusiastic about our expanded role during this season,” said Wendy Merger of Selkirk Home Hardware.
The last day that Big Hearts is accepting donations will be Dec. 10 as hampers will need to be assembled after that date so that they make it out of the door before Christmas.
Christianson says that they have welcomed many volunteers to help assemble hampers this year but that if there is anyone who would be open to delivering hampers, they would be very appreciated. If you would like to help with deliveries contact him at bigheartshamper@gmail.com.
“There is no better feeling than helping someone in need. This is the best time of the year, as far as I’m concerned when you can go and really make an impact on someone’s life,” said Christianson.
