Stock Photo

Anne Harfenist, program coordinator at the Smithers Community Services Association, was overwhelmed by the response in the communities here in Northern BC to donate to the Christmas Hamper Program.

The Smithers Community Services Association (SCSA) staff were worried about the donations this year because the businesses and organizations in town who help run the annual toy drive or food drive could not run those programs. Businesses and individuals pulled through and the SCSA were stunned at the amount of toys and food they received this year.

The hampers are typically picked up by families each year and it's a chance to socialize. But this year, the SCSA volunteers will be dropping off the hampers at each residence, ringing the door bell and buzzing off.

COVID-19 protocols have been put into place including masks, sanitizer for volunteers and a staggered time for each volunteer to pick up their hampers.

Harfenist became emotional at the end of our interview because she feels "so privileged to to have such a supportive [community]"

"Wait on donating any more right now but keep the food bank in mind for the rest of the year. This issue doesn't go away in January," Harfenist reminds the community.