(Submitted/Horizon School Division)

By Cam Lee

Horizon Hampers

Horizon Christmas Hamper Project

Dec 11, 2019 | 5:00 PM

The Horizon School Division’s Christmas Hamper Project is hitting new heights in its sixth year.

Board members and staff came together Wednesday to wrap gifts for students and families in need. The project gathers donations to purchase gifts to put in hampers for families in communities in the Horizon School Division area.

“The idea just kind of came as we were sitting around the board table,” said director of education Kevin Garinger. “We talked about the needs that there were at this time of the year, and it was at that time there was a decision made to pursue this hamper project.”

The division gathers names from the schools as to who may be in need, and who may benefit from the project.

Garinger said the holiday season can be tough for many families.

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“It’s a tremendous time of the year for families, but it’s also a difficult time for some as well,” said Garinger. “So if we can help spread some holiday cheer that way then we wanted to pursue that initiative.”

Funds raised are used to purchase items including toques, mitts, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and local grocery store vouchers. A gift for each child in the family is also provided. Garinger said books are also included in hampers to go along with the school division’s literacy focus.

Tables full of gifts were wrapped Dec. 11 for students and families in need in the Horizon School Division. (Submitted/Horizon School Division)

The Christmas Hamper Project has a lot of community support, according to Garinger. Horizon’s Board of Education has committed funds to add to the donations, and many community organizations have also supported the project throughout the season. Personal donations are also accepted.

“Probably the greatest thing is to be able to take those hampers to the schools, then the schools being able to ensure that the families get them,” said Garinger. “Of course, we want to make sure that that continues to be an anonymous process.”

Garinger said it’s challenging when you know so many people are in need, but it’s also an amazing gift to have so many people come together to lend a hand.

“Trying to give back and trying to support in the best way you can. Families who are in need this time of the year is something that I’m grateful that I have that opportunity, and that I have a board who is passionate about it. And staffs from across the system who are extremely passionate about this as well,” said Garinger.

This year, gift baskets will be provided to approximately 403 children and 153 families. In its first year in 2014, baskets were provided for 97 children and 45 families.

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cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974