It’s that time of year again. With less than a week to go, the Knights of Columbus are now putting the finishing touches on Christmas Hamper delivery day.
It’s set for this Saturday, Dec. 18.
For the 48th consecutive year, the Knights are rallying together locals and holiday cheer, providing hampers to households in Campbell River and beyond.
In all, 1087 hampers will be packed with food for Christmas Day, with 700 also including new gifts for kids and seniors.
“As always, this requires a lot of community help to get the hampers built, loaded out and delivered in one day,” says chairman Ken Niesen.
Similar to last year, organizers are implementing changes to ensure everyone’s safety due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
With a crowd being a ‘problem’ these days, as Neisen puts it, the Knights have already requested volunteers to work inside and outside the former Target building at Discovery Harbour Shopping Centre.
“Please do not just show up, as unfortunately, we cannot use you as much as we would like to,” he explains.
“We must keep the number of volunteers at a level low and organized enough to enable the COVID precautions to be met while the job gets done.”
Drivers sought for Saturday:
However, delivery drivers are still needed more than ever. “It is still first-come, first-loaded as per previous years,” says Niesen.
Drivers must stay in their vehicles, and drive-thru style, volunteers will load hampers into trunks starting at around 8 am.
“The driver will be trained, especially with the protocol to protect everyone when you get to the front door of the hamper recipient,” Niesen adds. “Above all, you should know that your help is totally appreciated!”
In 2020, the Campbell River community came out in full force to deliver hampers.
“You’re giving a gift when you bring those hampers around to probably someone you don’t know. It would be a great way to start off your Christmas season,” organizer Kevin Gearey tells My Campbell River Now.
