ESTEVAN — As the festive season approaches, the Estevan Community Hamper Association has officially launched its annual Christmas hamper campaign and the Angel Tree initiative, accepting applications from local families in need since Nov. 1.
This holiday program, annually supporting hundreds of families across the Estevan area, provides essential food and gifts for children, to ensure a warm celebration for everyone, regardless of financial circumstances.
With a strong history of community impact, the Hamper Association and Angel Tree campaign distributes Christmas hampers filled with festive food items and children's gifts to families who apply.
"Our applications have been open since November 1, and we've had about a normal amount of people applying so far," shared Jolie Bayda, co-chair of the Estevan Community Hamper Association. "It will pick up closer to the deadline for sure. We are expecting just slightly more than last year … According to the Salvation Army and their numbers, we may have 15-20 more [applications]."
Last year the association distributed 293 Christmas hampers.
Food packages this year will be a bit different from how they were before. They will still include turkey, oranges and chocolate, but will allow for more variety and flexibility based on recipients' needs.
The programs are entirely donation-based, with contributions from both businesses and individual residents. Bayda noted the current financial support but acknowledged the ongoing need as the season progresses.
Families seeking support can apply until Dec. 1, with essential information needed to complete the application, including family details.
Angel Trees will be set up at locations like Estevan Walmart from Dec. 7-15 and other places in December to collect toys and kids' gift donations for the toy store.
"Stay tuned for other locations," Bayda said, noting that they expect to have businesses that haven't helped them directly before joining the efforts this year.
The Estevan Fire Rescue Service is doing their annual fundraiser for the Angel Tree's Toy Store on Dec. 7 at Canadian Tire in Estevan.
The Toy Store, which will take place in mid-December, allows parents who applied to "shop" for Christmas gifts for their children free of charge.
With the assistance of the Southern Plains Co-op in packing fresh items into the hampers, community support and a team of dedicated volunteers, the Estevan Community Hamper and Angel Tree programs aim to ensure that everyone who needs it receives festive support for the holiday season.
For those interested in helping make the holidays brighter for local families, donations are welcome and Bayda is the contact to arrangements. Applications for hampers and kids' gifts can be submitted to the Estevan Community Hamper and Angel Tree through the Facebook page, by phone at 306-471-7181 or the Salvation Army at 306-634-2074.
