Executive director Erin Katerynych. The Empty Stocking Fund campaign is launching again. (Submitted photo/Erin Katerynych)

By Angela Brown

Helping those in need

Empty Stocking Fund campaign launches this week

Nov 17, 2021 | 5:00 PM

The Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre’s Empty Stocking Fund will officially launch on Thursday for the 2021 holiday season.

Through the program, families in need will receive Christmas hampers and toys for their children so they won’t go without over the festive season.

Executive director Erin Katerynych said there is a higher demand this year so she is encouraging people to give if they are able.

“We’re depending on the community to help those in need to make their Christmas better,” she said.

There is also an increased need for toy donations in particular.

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“The Empty Stocking Fund is expecting to have a lot of people register for the Christmas hampers,” Katerynych said. “We are in need of toys as we don’t have a lot right now, and we expect our numbers to be high.”

The organization wants to make sure every child registered with the Empty Stocking Fund receives a toy for Christmas.

For the Empty Stocking Fund campaign kick off, Katerynych said Domino’s Pizza will have a special purchase on Nov. 18 with $5 from each of these orders benefiting the program.

For those wishing to receive a Christmas hamper this year, registration runs from Nov. 22 until Dec. 10, Mondays to Fridays, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

“It’s on a first come, first serve basis,” Katerynych said adding that anyone in need of a hamper is encouraged to apply.

From Dec. 20 to 22 the hampers will be handed out to those who signed up.

WPD Ambulance is also partnering on the Empty Stocking Fund campaign.

The WPD EMS elves will collect toys for the hampers again this year, from Dec. 1 until Dec. 17 , when they will drop off the toys collected to match with the children for Christmas.

Loraas Environmental Services plan to help the hamper campaign too with their annual Food Bank Drive on Dec. 17, when employees will gather non-perishable food for the Empty Stocking Fund.

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Angela.Brown@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @battlefordsnow