The annual Sooke Christmas Bureau hampers are going to be handed out on Sunday, and volunteer Deb Schenk says this has been one of the busiest years yet.
This year over 400 hampers have already been prepared, and applications are still trickling in.
‘We often take people up until the last minute, we even have people drop in on the day the hampers are handed out,” said Schenk.
Last year there were 397 applications – from East Sooke to Port Renfrew – for hampers, which supported 660 adults and 152 children.
“Sooke is so giving, which is amazing because there are so many people in need and the numbers keep growing,” said Schenk. “We couldn’t do this without the support of the community.”
RELATED: Annual Sooke Christmas Bureau kicks off
There has been approximately 40 volunteers involved this year working hard to get everything prepared.
The hampers vary in size and can support a single person or up to a family of five. They include a ham or turkey, stuffing, produce, pasta, crackers and other food items that can make up a Christmas dinner.
“We are right on schedule,” Schenk said. “I’m looking forward to seeing the smile on people’s faces and for them to know that they are not alone. The community is here for them.”
Hampers can be picked up Dec. 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Sooke Community Hall.