Christmas Hampers
By Liticia Gardner for Denman Island Community Education Society
The wind is blowing and dark nights have arrived, the Christmas hamper season is upon us! It’s that magical time of year where the community comes together to share with those of us who are in need.
The Christmas Hampers are made up of several boxes filled with wrapped presents, fresh produce, turkey, ham, or vegan options, treats, and of course, basic groceries to last the festive season. They support food security for the families and individuals in our community who need it. The hampers are fully organized and funded by the generosity of Denman Islanders by way of donations and volunteer efforts, and every year we receive requests for 30-40 hampers. DICES welcomes your donations!
To donate gifts: gifts can be dropped off at the Hardware store during business hours. A box has been set up by the back entrance by the garden supplies. We welcome gifts for kids and adults alike. For a wish list please see our website www.dices.ca.
To donate food: Specialty items, treats, and non-perishable food items can be delivered to the Community School Portable Wednesdays and Thursdays 4-7pm. Unfortunately we can not accept home canned or home baked goods. If you have fresh produce to donate please contact us at dices.communityprograms@gmail.com.
To donate cash: Cash and cheque donations are also most welcome. Cheques can be made out to DICES and all donations can be dropped off at the community school portable or at the donation jar at the General Store, preferably before December 12th. Monetary donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.
To donate via E-Transfer: E-transfers can also be made to dices.director@gmail.com (please specify Christmas Hampers and your address in the memo). You can also make a donation online at www.canadahelps.org (search DICES). Monetary donations over $20 will receive a charitable tax receipt.
To Volunteer: This year, we will be wrapping the presents and packing the abundant boxes of food at the Community Hall on the morning of Thursday, December 23rd. We deliver each box to the family or person in need, so we are also looking for drivers. To lend a hand and join in the festivities, please email or call Liticia or Emily at dices.communityprograms@gmail.com or 250 335 2058.
To receive a Christmas Hamper: please fill out a form and drop it off in the Community School Portable, or give us a call at 335 2058 or email us at dices.communityprograms@gmail.com. Forms can be found at the General Store, in the Food Bank in the Community School Portable, or on our website dices.ca. Please return the forms to the community school by December 12th to help us plan for the hampers. The forms will be treated with confidentiality and every effort is made to respect the privacy of Hamper recipients.
The Food Bank will remain open on Thursdays 4-7pm over Christmas and New Years. Donations to the foodbank of non-perishable food items and cash or cheques are always welcome.
Thank you Denman Islanders for your continuous support for the Christmas Hamper and the Food Bank!
