The holiday season is ever approaching as the dates on the calendar tick to the end of November and into December. As that happens, Estevan prepares to end the year once again in the spirit of giving back to the needy in the community.
The Christmas hamper campaign, organized by the Estevan Christmas Hamper Association, began Nov. 6 and the group has received a few registrations already for the hampers typically filled with food and toys.
Char Seeman, co-chair of the association, said the hampers have included turkeys in the past and regularly include pastas or condiments.
"Donations of turkeys would be great. We put enough food in there for them to have a good Christmas meal and then for the next few days afterward," said Seeman.
"Estevan is a money-rich community, and people don't see all of the families that are going hungry. We have the people with money, and we have the people without money."
She said with the costs of living in the Energy City being so high at the moment, many people may not be able to afford some items so many others consider akin to the holiday season.
"When you're making minimum wage, how do you pay your rent and buy your kids Christmas presents or buy the extra food to have at Christmas? That's the need we're trying to fill," said Seeman.
The Angel Tree will also be set up in Walmart from Dec. 2 to 15, and those looking to get involved in that program may bring a toy to drop off or purchase one in-store. Participants select a blue or pink angel, which identifies the child's age and gender, and they get a gift suitable for that child.
Anyone who may benefit from a hamper can contact one of the churches in Estevan, all of which are participating in the hamper program. Seeman said there are no questions asked, as long as people provide their name and address and how many kids are in the household.
"You could be working a full-time job and still not have enough money to buy your kids Christmas presents. That's the most important thing, to have food in your belly and a present for your baby," she said. "That's why we do it."
She said there is more attention and awareness being brought toward the low-income families in the community, who are often over-looked when the focus is always turned to Estevan's prosperity, because even in economies as well off as the southeast region's there will be those who struggle each day to provide for their families.
"We want to see everybody have a really good meal at Christmas," said Seeman.
She said with many new families in the community who may not be aware of the annual program, the association is hoping to connect with any new families who may require a hamper this season.
"I want them to realize, I really want them to understand, that they can get a food hamper this year," said Seeman, who also noted any people who have been laid off are also encouraged to apply. "I just want these people to know that we're here to help them at this time."
Hampers will be delivered on Dec. 22 and 23. Anyone with questions may call Seeman at 306-421-9182.
