The Teulon & District Christmas Cheer Board is bracing for another season of high demand as hamper registrations continue to climb ahead of the holidays.
Co-chairs Amy Waluk and Amanda Hepples say the need continues to grow each year.
“We pack approximately 75 hampers per year,” Waluk said, noting that requests traditionally increase as December approaches.
When the current volunteer team took over the program seven years ago, they received about 60 registrations. Numbers rose to roughly 75 within a few years, and last Christmas the total reached 91 registrants, including three to four sponsored hampers.
This year’s final tally is still coming in, but Waluk said the trend of rising need shows no signs of slowing.
“We’ve seen an increase over the years,” she said, adding that seniors on fixed incomes and single-parent households represent the largest portion of applicants.
Inflation and higher food prices have forced difficult choices for the organization. Waluk said the Cheer Board has had to scale back on a few items in order to stretch donations further.
“We’ve also had applicants choose between a ham or a turkey,” she explained. “Previously, we supplied both.”
The cost of preparing each hamper now averages $140 to $160, depending on family size. And while the community remains generous, the price of groceries and household items continues to challenge the group’s budget.
To help offset those pressures, donations such as grocery gift cards — excluding lottery and tobacco purchases — make a significant difference for all family types. Hygiene products for teens, family-sized shampoo and conditioner, and winter essentials remain especially welcomed.
“If we can put a pair of socks and gloves in each bag or box, then it’s a good year,” Hepples stated.
Registration for hampers closes Dec. 1, with donations requested by Dec. 5. Singles will be packed in the next couple of weeks, while family hampers are prepared closer to distribution.
This year, the Cheer Board will move away from a single delivery day and instead provide multiple delivery dates throughout the week of Dec. 8, along with a final round on the Saturday. There will be no pickup spot for hampers this year.
Waluk and Hepples oversee the program with support from family volunteers and a delivery crew of six to eight people. Altogether, the behind-the-scenes work spans nearly two full months.
“It takes multiple shopping trips and multiple hours to complete,” Waluk said. “We do try to support local as much as possible. We are grateful for all our local businesses and know they do their best to help.”
Waluk said there isn’t one standout story that captures the impact of the Cheer Board, but many moments stay with her each year.
“When you see someone who is really struggling or is too proud to ask for help but then help is provided, you see hope in their eyes again,” she said. “They matter. That is the spirit of giving — that is the magic of Christmas.”
As donations continue to come in, Waluk and Hepples hope residents will remember how much one act of generosity can mean.
“Times are tough, prices are high, and everyone deserves a Christmas breakfast, dinner, some extra food in the pantry and a gift under the tree,” Waluk said. “Without the generosity and helping hands who put it all together, some folks would go without Christmas.”
