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Santa's Elves getting ready
Applications to receive a Christmas hamper
accepted until Nov. 25Samantha Stokell Northern News Services Published Thursday, November 17, 2011
For at least the past 15 years, a group of anonymous volunteers have organized Christmas hampers filled with food and presents for families who need a bit of help during the holiday season. Last year Santa's Elves, as they are called, prepared 125 hampers for more than 500 people. "(Anonymity) is half the fun, half the appeal. It's helping Santa out," said a volunteer elf. "The need for hampers reflects the economy of the community. One year we only handed out 95 hampers and other years there were 140 hampers. It's kind of balanced between the two numbers." The hampers contain everything a family needs to enjoy the day. Presents are purchased for children under the age of 18, as well as pancake mix and syrup for breakfast along with a turkey or chicken, eggs, milk, bread, baking mix, a box of oranges, cranberry sauce, stuffing, coffee, tea, salt and pepper, dessert, and potatoes. A small bag of flour, oil and baking powder are available, too, so families can make their own doughnuts or bannock. "We assume they have nothing and give them the basics to cook," the elf said. "What happens is basically the hamper is for the family to have a great day from breakfast to dinner." Applications to receive a hamper are available at Ingamo Hall. Applicants fill out the forms, which ask them to list all family members and their genders and ages so that appropriate presents and amounts of food can be assigned to the hamper. The application also asks if the family members are employed and their income, but this information is not a deciding factor for receiving a hamper. The deadline is Nov. 25. The hampers are prepared between Dec. 16 and 20 and will be delivered by Matco and the Inuvik Volunteer Firefighters on the afternoon of Dec. 21. Applicants must be home in the afternoon to receive the hampers. The elves ask that applicants also write their names neatly so that Santa has accurate information. Inuvik Mayor Denny Rodgers supports the program, saying it's another example of how well the community works together. "Obviously it helps those less fortunate to enjoy Christmas with Christmas meals and toys, as well," Rodgers said. "This town's people are Santa's elves all year long. There's so many volunteers and groups that are always helping each other." People looking to participate in the campaign can help in many different ways. Sponsors could donate money and the elves will put together the hamper for you. Organizations can also adopt a family and purchase gifts and food for the family, which cost approximately $150 per hamper. Volunteers will also be needed to help organize the hampers. Families generally receive a family gift, such as a board game, while elders might receive gloves or a blanket. By adopting a family, sponsors can personalize a hamper for the recipients. Drop off of the hampers will be at the Lions Den.
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