As the Christmas season approaches, the Niverville Helping Hands Food Bank is gearing up for its busiest time of year with the Christmas hamper deliveries. The deadline for applications is quickly approaching, and Director Larissa Sandulak is encouraging families in need to sign up soon.
"Our registration deadline is the end of November. People can register on our website, www.nivervillehelpinghands.com, or if they don't have access to the internet, they can give us a call, and we'll help them through the process."
Last year, the food bank delivered about 90 hampers, and with the growing need in the community, they are anticipating even more this year.
"We’re expecting more than last year. There’s definitely been an increase in demand, and we’re ready to meet that."
The food bank recently moved into a new space, and Sandulak couldn't be happier with how it's working out.
"We love it here. We handed out hampers just last Thursday, and while the shelves are a bit empty now, we’ll restock and be ready for the next round. We’ve had great feedback from people about the new setup. It’s really been a game-changer."
Sandulak also spoke about the success of the food drives this year.
"Our fall drive was probably our best in years. It’s been amazing to see the community step up like this. We used to sort everything in a church, but this space works so much better. We’re really happy with how everything’s been running."
After the last round of food drives, Sandulak says the food bank’s shelves were stacked high with donations.
"You should have seen it. This place was packed to the rafters with food. It was overwhelming in the best possible way. It took a few days and several teams to sort through everything, but it was totally worth it."
Though the shelves are currently bare as the food bank sorts and restocks, Sandulak assured the public that they have plenty of food stored in the back.
"We’re doing our best to keep everything within budget. We have extra food in storage rooms, and we order more when needed, so we can keep providing for everyone."
And as if the community’s generosity weren’t enough, this year’s Tim Horton's Holiday Smile Cookie campaign is lending even more support to the food bank. Sandulak says that the food bank was chosen as the recipient of the proceeds for the second year in a row, after being selected last year for the first time.
"It’s so humbling. We’re a small food bank, and it's just amazing that people are supporting us like this. It means so much to us."
Nazli Sharma, manager at the Tim Horton's in Niverville, explained why the local store decided to support Niverville Helping Hands again this year.
"It’s been tough for a lot of people lately, with so many families struggling to make ends meet. Larissa and her team do incredible work providing for those in need, but they don’t just need dry goods—they need essentials like milk, eggs, cheese, and bread. That’s where we come in. The money from these cookies helps them buy those things."
Sharma also mentioned the hard work of the local volunteers who have been helping with the campaign.
"The Niverville Communities in Bloom committee has been fantastic. Shirley Hoult and Annette Bryant have been working with us to decorate the cookies every morning. It’s a real team effort."
And the Tim Horton's team is hoping to make this year's campaign even bigger.
"We want to raise even more money this year. It’s a small community, and we’re doing our best to make a difference. Hopefully, as the campaign grows, we’ll get more volunteers and raise more funds for the food bank."
Both Sandulak and Sharma agreed on one thing: the importance of community support.
"To everyone who’s already bought cookies or donated, thank you," Sandulak said. "It’s amazing how much the community is coming together to help us make sure there’s food on everyone’s table this holiday season."
Sharma echoed the sentiment: "If you’re in Niverville, stop by Tim Horton's, grab a cookie, and help out. If you can’t buy a cookie, just donate what you can. Every little bit helps, and 100% of the money goes to the food bank."
As the holidays draw closer, the Niverville Helping Hands Food Bank continues to rely on the generosity of its community. Thanks to programs like the Tim Horton's Smile Cookie campaign and the continued support of local volunteers and donors, the food bank is prepared to meet the growing need for food assistance and bring some holiday cheer to those in need.
