A record number of Christmas food and toy hampers are ready for pick-up and delivery thanks to the Chatham Goodfellows.
Packing the boxes looked a lot different this year due to the pandemic, but volunteers prepared over 1,600 hampers, a record high.
"On the weekend there was a small group of volunteers who packed 1,650 boxes on Saturday and part of yesterday (Sunday)," said Director Tim Mifflin. "It's the most boxes we have ever prepared for delivery and pick-up."
Mifflin admits that a lot of people need help this year.
"Many of the people with whom I've spoke this year have said 'I'm still working, but I'm only working 14 or 15 hours a week' and it's very hard to pay rent and provide for a family of four or five, or perhaps even larger."
Mifflin adds that people who registered can start picking up their hampers this week between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
"At 715 Richmond Street, that's the former National Grocers building. Most of the folks that have applied with us this year will know their date to come in, but generally speaking, we are delivering on the last two days of this week, on the 16th and 17th."
Anyone picking up a hamper will just have to show ID, and the food and toy baskets will be placed in their vehicle. Mifflin said the Goodfellows will likely need 10 additional volunteers throughout the week that are able to lift hampers into vehicles.
If you are unsure when to pick up your hamper or if it will be delivered, contact the Chatham Goodfellows by calling 519-354-1146 or emailing info@chathamgoodfellows.ca.