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Register now for Christmas Hamper

Earlier is better for helpers and those who need help
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Lorraine Bates says the Christmas Hamper still needs donations for teenagers: Monster High dolls

Registration is taking place  now for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.

So far registration has been slow this year.

“Typically, it’s always slow at the beginning and I’m not sure why,” said Lorraine Bates, co-chair of the Christmas Hamper Society, located at the Albion Fairgrounds on 105th Avenue in Maple Ridge.

“It’s a hindrance, actually, because to have them all at one time is hard on the volunteers.”

She does expect the hamper society to get busier.

The final dates to register: today at the Royal Canadian Legion, 12101 – 224th Street, back entrance, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.’ and  Sunday, Dec. 1 and Dec. 8 at the hamper’s main office on the Albion Fairgrounds,  between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Individuals receiving a monthly financial assistance or disability cheque need to bring their last stub, care cards for yourself and all the family members, proof of age for any child 16 and older, proof of residency in either Maple Ridge or Pitt Meadows and photo identification for yourself.

If your family is low-income, you need to bring any proof of lack of income, such as a wage receipt, rent, phone, hydro or car payment bills, care cards for yourself and all family members, proof of age for any child 16 and older, proof of residency in either community and photo identification for yourself.

The Christmas Hamper Society is a registered non-profit society and charity under the Canada Revenue Agency Charities Act and a member of the Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau. It is fully operated by volunteers.

Every year volunteers ensure every registered family is provided a Christmas Day meal and every child up to 18 years old is given a toy or gift bag worth in between $75 and $100.

The Christmas Hamper Society also administers the Good Neighbour Program (an adopt-a-family program), Rudolph’s Gift Shoppe – filled with new and used clothes and toys – and a Kids Only Gift Shoppe, where children from registered are allowed to shop for free for a Christmas gift for their parents or caregivers.

In 2012 608 families registered for help for the Christmas season.