Registration is now open for the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.
Low income families, those who receive government financial help, or who are approved by the Christmas Hamper Society can register to receive a grocery gift card for a traditional Christmas dinner for their family and gifts for children up until the age of 16.
Applications must be made online though the Christmas Hamper Society's website.
Applicants must confirm that they will not apply to another agency for help and that all children listed on the application are in their full-time care.
A Means Test will be applied to all families and families who were denied in the past will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Once approved, families will be assigned a unique registration number and given a date to shop for toys at the Christmas Hamper office.
A voucher will be needed for Rudolph's Recycle Gift Shoppe and Family Fun Day with Santa which can be collected at the office.
The deadline for applications is Wednesday, Dec. 18.
The Christmas Hamper Society runs many programs over the holiday season including: the Good Neighbour Program where people can sponsor a holiday care package for a family in need in the community; Rudolph's Recycle Gift Shoppe where families in need have access to a barn full of gently used household goods and clothing; the Toy Barn which is open to parents or caregivers who choose not to participate in the Good Neighbour Program and where they can select from new toys for gifts for their children.
This year children will be able to meet Santa Claus from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21. Registered families will get to take pictures with the jolly old elf and enjoy a hot dog, popcorn, and hot chocolate. There will also be holiday-themed activities.
Rudolph's Recycle Gift Shoppe will be open from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 7, 14, and 21.
Donations are also being accepted at the Christmas Hamper Society until Thursday, Dec. 19. New, unwrapped toys, gift cards, and monetary donations are being collected, in addition to gently used items like toys; puzzles; games; books; crafts; decorations; clothing, especially winter wear, coats and boots; housewares, blankets, bedding, towels, jewellery, and unopened toiletries.
They will not accept furniture, stuffed toys, VCR tapes, or previously used underwear and socks.
Staff will be at the office at the Albion Fairgrounds from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. every day to assist people dropping off donations.
The Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society is located at 23448 Jim Robson Way
Maple Ridge.
For more information call 604-463-6922.
To register for assistance go to: https://www.mrpmchristmashamper.org/register.
