Steinbach Community Christmas has wrapped up its hamper deliveries for the season, but the work isn’t entirely done. Co-chair Carolyn Peters says this year’s effort was a huge success, with 1,464 hampers delivered to families in need. The hampers reached 2,073 children, spreading Christmas cheer to homes across the area.
The operation involved 99 drivers delivering 1,099 hampers over three days, while 375 more families picked up their hampers on the final day. “It was amazing,” Peters said, describing the process as seamless, thanks to the dedication of volunteers and donors.
Peters noted that the team initially budgeted for 1,425 hampers but adjusted to 1,450 after securing additional food. They managed to make even more hampers by balancing the sizes of small and large hampers, allowing them to stretch resources further. Some families who were registered declined their hampers, saying they’d been helped by others in the community, which freed up supplies for families on the waiting list.
“That warms my heart,” Peters said. “I know that the neighbours are taking care of their neighbours. Whether it’s their church or a family, they’re saying, ‘We’re going to bless you this Christmas.’”
While hamper deliveries are finished, monetary donations are still needed to ensure the program remains strong for next year. Donations can be made online at steinbachcommunitychristmas.ca.
The community’s response was overwhelming. Monetary donations, toys, and volunteer hours poured in, creating a buzz of joy at the distribution centre. “If you were a part of it in any way—whether you bought a toy, donated $20, or volunteered—you were part of what just happened, and it was incredible,” Peters said.
Reflecting on the season, Peters highlighted the joy of seeing familiar faces return to volunteer year after year and the gratitude expressed by families who received hampers. “Every single year, it’s the same feeling of joy,” she said. “This community is amazing, and they made this happen.”
As the team wraps up, Peters says they’re already looking ahead to next year. For now, though, the focus is on gratitude. “Thank you, thank you, thank you. There are not enough 'thank yous' to express how we feel,” she said.
-With files from Carly Koop.