The Winkler and District Christmas Cheerboard anticipate it could be assembling as many as 360 hampers this year for families in need. Last year the cheerboard delivered 340 hampers to families or individuals in Winkler and the surrounding area. Based on applications already picked up or dropped off, committee member Kim Ewert expects this year's number to be higher.

Ewert says it is often said how generous this area is, and from the experiences, the volunteer cheerboard committee has had, she can definitely attest to those statements.

"Someone said at one of our last meetings they used to worry about where the money would come from. We are constantly blown away by financial donations, donations from schools, nursery schools and daycares that collect food, we have anonymous donations, and people who show up to help. It is amazing."

"We try to make sure that no family goes without food at Christmas time, and make sure no child goes without a gift," added Ewert.

Aside from the many other collection drives held in the area, the cheerboard, together with Scotia Bank, will be holding their annual 'Holly Jolly Breakfast' Saturday morning (Nov. 17th) at the Southland Mall. Funds raised through the "by donation" breakfast will go toward assembling the hampers. Money collected at the breakfast will be matched by Scotia Bank.

The breakfast will include festive music by local choirs, including students from the J.R. Walkof School. There will also be an opportunity to purchase a teddy bear for $5, to be included in each hamper.

Meanwhile, the cheerboard has set aside 3 days, December 10th, 11th, and 12th as Cheerboard Days. During the 3 days, volunteers will gather together all donations, sort through food, wrap gifts, and pack hampers.

Ewert says there biggest need during Cheerboard Days is drivers to deliver the hampers on Wednesday, December 12th at the Winkler MB Church. "When we're all finished packing up everything, we need people to come and pick up those hampers and get them to the people who are ready and waiting for them."

There are numerous places to pick up an application for a Christmas hamper, including Central Station, the Winkler MCC, and through school liaisons in the Garden Valley School Division. People can also contact the cheerboard by calling 204-362-3946 or email winklercheerboard@gmail.com.