The number of people going through hard times this Christmas is up according to numbers at the Rimbey Food Bank.
Monique Piebald, volunteer program co-ordinator said more people seem to be needing the food bank this year.
“Last year we distributed 73 hampers but we are expecting to do more this year. The numbers are up for the people needing it.”
Anyone who is need of the food bank this year is invited to phone the FCSS office at 403-843-2030 or come in and fill out an application. The office is open from 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Volunteers who wish to help out at the food bank may call the office as well.
“We can always use more volunteers. There is lots of volunteer opportunities throughout the year as well as during the Christmas season,” said Piebald, noting the visitor program and meals on wheels is run through volunteers.
Volunteers are asked to sort through toys, fill food hampers and pick up donations from businesses in town.
Students from a number of schools have also volunteered to help out this year, she said.
“We really appreciate the youth who volunteer,” she added.
Gift for children from the newborn stage of life to teenagers (aged 17) are included in the food bank’s Christmas hampers.
While all gifts are appreciated, gifts for older children and teens are usually most needed, said Piebald.
“There has been lots of community support this year,” she said. “Everybody seems to be pulling together.”
She added ATB and Serves Credit Union each have an angel tree.
Food Bank co-ordinator Roseanne Glenn said non perishable food, dry goods, coffee, tea and cheese whiz (rather than peanut butter due to allergies) are all accepted at the food bank.