Kindersley Christmas Hamper Program returns for 2025
By Kate Winquist
KINDERSLEY — Three local organizations are once again teaming up to ensure West Central residents have a brighter holiday season.
The Kindersley Food Bank, the Salvation Army and the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre have launched the 2025 Christmas Hamper Program, which provides food, treats and children’s gifts to families in need. The groups will handle applications, accept donations and coordinate distribution.
Hampers will follow Canada’s Food Guide and include additional seasonal items, such as a holiday meal and gifts for children. They are available to residents within the Kindersley Food Bank’s service area, including Kindersley, Smiley, Flaxcombe, Marengo, Alsask, Coleville, Brock and nearby rural communities.
Application forms can be picked up and submitted during regular hours at the Salvation Army Thrift Store, the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre, the Kindersley Food Bank, and the hamper distribution site at the Kindersley Mall. Completed forms must be returned by 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13.
Organizers say the program relies heavily on community support. Donations can be dropped off at the Kindersley Mall hamper site from Dec. 1 to 13 between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., excluding Sundays; at the West Central Crisis and Family Support Centre from Nov. 12 to Dec. 12 during weekday hours; and at the Salvation Army Thrift Store from Dec. 1 to 12 on weekdays.
Suggested food donations include canned vegetables and fruit, soup, pasta and sauce, rice, cereal, peanut butter, beans, canned meat and juice. New, unwrapped toys, books and games for children up to age 12 are also needed. Cash or cheque donations will be used exclusively for the Christmas program, and tax receipts are available for contributions of $20 or more.
Volunteers — dubbed Santa’s Helpers — are needed from Dec. 1 to 18. Those interested can call 306-463-6655 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Hamper pickup is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 18, from 9:30 a.m. to noon and from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at the Kindersley Mall on 12th Avenue East.