It's been over 40 years since a group of residents decided to help families in need during the holiday season.
Back in 1981, members of the Strathmore Seniors Happy Gang pointed out a family who needed support during Christmas. The group talked to the Wheatland Family & Community Support Services who decided to start the Christmas Hamper challenge.
The society was previously known as the Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper but has since rebranded to the Strathmore & Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society.
The initiative helps out residents of Strathmore, Hussar, Rockyford, Standard, Cluny, Gleichen, and Wheatland County who are experiencing financial or food insecurity during Christmas.
According to Marilyn Galvin, president of the society, the program will focus on giving people a unique Christmas day experience.
"We hope that every hamper will include a breakfast with a combination of different things like cereal and oats. Maybe pancake mix and syrup."
There will also be a lunch full of soup, Kraft Dinner, Jello, and cookies. The main meal will be a Christmas dinner of turkey or ham along with stuffing, gravy, and a gift card to help buy produce and any type of milk, cheese, and bread.
Galvin says the society is entirely volunteer run.
"We do have a secretary position and vice chair. I am also putting out there that I am very interested in retiring myself. This is my fifth year."
She mentioned if anyone is interested, she'd be happy to help train a new president for the future.
Last year the society filled 246 hampers with food and toys, which helped out 332 children.
However, this year the group plans to support 266 families including around 359 children who are also given toy bags.
Residents interested in volunteering can head to a meeting on Monday (Oct. 21) at 7 p.m. at the Wheatland County Administration Office.