With less than two months to go until Christmas, community groups have been busy organizing Christmas hamper programs for residents in need of a helping hand.
Food Link Chatham-Kent has released a list of all the organizations providing Christmas hampers and holiday meals.
The list Christmas Baskets 2021* includes information on how to register for supports and when to do so.
Similar to last year, a physical paper copy of the Meal Calendar, which includes information on meal programs and soup kitchens, will not be printed and distributed.
Municipal officials said due to ongoing updates and changes in services, it’s better to keep up-to-date information online.
Aside from services that are specifically geared for the holidays, Public Health Dietitian Lyndsay Davidson, said there are supports that are offered throughout the year.
“Whether they are our food banks, our meal programs, all kinds of organizations that might do vouchers… whatever those needs may be, we have all of that information on our website for anyone who might need those resources,” said Davidson.
Davidson said many of the organizations are back to operating on their own, as far as collecting donations.
"It is important that we support as many groups as possible so that we can ensure that everyone has the resources to support those in need again this year," said Davidson.
*Please note the pickup dates for the Chatham Goodfellows are December 17 and 18 from 9am to 5pm at the former Sears store with delivery on December 19. The dates provided in the "Christmas Baskets 2021" document are incorrect.