Yellowknife (Oct 29/04) - Yellowknifers can once again pack a hamper for families in need this Christmas, thanks to the Adopt-a-Family program.

"We had 451 hampers last year," said Major Karen Hoeft of the Salvation Army, adding 178 less fortunate families were adopted by other Yellowknife families and organizations.

Cheryl Thomas is the Christmas co-ordinator for the Salvation Army's hamper program. She is hoping Yellowknifers will be just as generous this year as they have been in the past. - Joyce MacDonald/NNSL photo

Hoeft hopes Yellowknifers will be just as generous this year.

The hampers contain ingredients for a Christmas dinner: a turkey, stuffing mix and cranberry sauce, as well as other food staples. They also contain presents for children.

The Salvation Army and other community groups collect cash donations and food for the hampers every year. Families or other groups who want to donate a hamper are matched with a family in need. The Salvation Army provides a list of suggested items, but people are free to put in whatever they think is appropriate.

"People put in great extras, like toilet paper," said Hoeft.

She said it costs about $350 to fill a basic hamper. The donors know the ages and genders of the people they're donating for, but they don't know their names. Those receiving the hampers don't know who gave it, either.

"We keep it anonymous because it's a small town," said Hoeft. "Some people might start thinking they're better than others."

She said people often choose to put in homemade items, or get creative in other ways.

"Some people put it in Rubbermaid containers or laundry baskets," she said. "Some wrap portable items in towels."

Groups wanting to participate can apply after Nov. 1. People can request to help a specific kind of family, such as one with children of similar ages to their own kids.

Hampers have to be delivered to the Salvation Army before Dec. 20 for distribution.