Food Bank Gearing Up for Christmas Hamper Campaign

While it may only be mid-October, members of the Nicola Valley Food Bank (NVFB) have already begun plans for the upcoming Christmas Hamper Program.

The program, for low income families or residents needing assistance through the winter months, provides families and individuals with food during the Christmas week including enough provisions for a full Christmas meal.

Executive director of the Nicola Valley Food Bank Derlanda Hewton told Q101 news that the numbers that need assistance each year continues to grow.

“Since I have been associated with the Food Bank, which is going on close to five years, we have been averaging 300 to 340 hampers distributed each Christmas,” Hewton said. “Of course this is not possible without the generosity of our community.”

Hewton said that any low income residents who require a Christmas Food Hamper can register by dropping by the Food Bank on Quilchena Ave. during regular business hours.

While acknowledging that this summer has been stressful for staff and volunteers at the Nicola Valley Food Bank with the wildfire situation displacing many residents from Lytton and surrounding area, Hewton said the greatest need currently as the Christmas Hamper Program approaches is monetary donations.

“Monetary donations go towards offsetting some of the expenses we (NVFB) may incur as we prepare the hampers for distribution,” she added. “Each Christmas we get tremendous support from our community and I do not expect that to change this year as Merritt is a very caring and giving community.”

Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit the Nicola Valley Food Bank on Quilchena Ave. or contact Derlanda Hewton directly at 250-378-2282