The Rhineland Empty Stocking Fund is in need of donations this fall season.

The organization takes referrals for food hampers from with the town of Altona and Municipality of Rhineland. Gifts are also supplied to children 18 and younger.

According to spokesperson Ken Bergman, they are sitting at less than 10 percent of their normal $30,000 to $35,000 budget. Part of the reason is that a need for hampers last year was higher than normal.

"Also we need to purchase more gifts this year as we usually carry gifts over from year to year, as it cycles in 3 years roughly, and our inventory has been depleted drastically from last year," he said.

Bergman is asking the community to keep the Empty Stocking Fund in mind and added early donations are preferred.

"Our message would be that if you're planning to donate to the Empty Stocking Fund, we would very much appreciate early donations this year so that shopping can proceed as planned."

Early donations are also important because the organization is starting to shop for gifts around this time. Bergman added they are aiming for 175 hampers and 1,200 gifts again this year.

Donations can be dropped off at the Access Credit Union in Plum Coulee, Altona, and Gretna, as well as the Rexall Drug Store in the Altona mall.

Volunteers will also be needed on Dec. 9 to help wrap presents and pack hampers. Volunteer drivers are also needed to help deliver the gifts and hampers on Dec. 16.

To refer a local family for a hamper you can call the Rhineland Empty Stocking Fund. The phone number will be activated on Nov. 6 and it is 204-324-7167.

The deadline for referrals is Dec. 2.

Ken Bergman