Lending a Helping Hand at Christmastime

Lending a Helping Hand at Christmastime

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Volunteers with the Christmas Hamper Program were busy packing boxes of food the morning of Dec. 16 at the Tofield Community Hall.

One of those volunteers was Greg Litwin, who has chaired the Christmas Hamper Program for the past 10 years.

“I was just seeing a need in the community and wanted to help out.” Litwin said the Christmas Hamper Program is run in conjunction with the Tofield and Area Food Bank and recipients are from Tofield and Ryley as well as the rural areas in between those two communities.

Referrals come through Tofield-Beaver County West FCSS, and this holiday season a total of 115 Christmas hampers will be delivered to individuals and families in the area.

Volunteers collect and check off items for the food hampers.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

It’s a full four days of picking, sorting, packing and distributing the food hampers, and Litwin wouldn’t have it any other way. “Helping the less fortunate is what it’s all about.” Litwin said the way the community gives back, whether it be through food or monetary donations or volunteers is “just incredible” and is thankful for all of their contributions.

Each year awareness of the program grows, and Litwin is so appreciative of the efforts of all the individuals, families, students, organizations and businesses who provide assistance. He said the Town of Tofield, Village of Ryley, and Beaver Country are contribute greatly by donating funds for them to be able to purchase turkeys, hams, potatoes, carrots for a couple of festive meals.

The Christmas Hamper Program also has an Angel Tree in both the Tofield and Ryle Post Office’s where people can come in and take a tag off the tree, shop for a particular item, and return with the gift.

One added touch are Christmas cards that are created by Kindergarten to Grade 4 students from C.W. Sears School. “There are Christmas Cards for each of the hampers. It’s a nice touch.”

Volunteer Brenda Chehade has been helping out for the past six or seven years, and said involving the youth is a great way for them to give back and realize the difference their contributions make.