Southeast Helping Hands (SEHH) is working on preparing 365 food hampers for Easter.
Ken Dyck, the organization's operations manager, says before a group comes to put hampers together, volunteers count out supplies they have.
This year, he says hampers—which will be distributed on April 16 between 2 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.— will include two variety soups.
"That's 365 times two. It cleans out the shelf very quickly," Dyck says.
He adds broth, stove top stuffing, and cranberry sauce will also be among the hamper items.
"Plus there's gravies for 365 people too, and then we're giving them rice," he says.
"Where we get bulk, we repackage it and they all get the same serving," Dyck says about the rice, of which matching portions are put in Ziploc bags.
He says one bag of rice goes a long way.
Those who are collecting a hamper will also be getting a selection of beans.
"We call it 'crazy beans' around here. Black beans, navy beans, kidney beans, stuff you can use in salads, you can make chili with this, you can do a lot of things," he says.
Of course, some treats are being tucked into the hampers as well, including chips and chocolates.
"It's Easter. You need chocolate," Dyck says, noting everybody enjoys the addition, and ask whether the snacks have been included.
The day the hampers are given out, some perishable items will also be included.
Dyck is hoping to include chicken or turkey, and says other meat will be included, as well as eggs, cheese, bread, and a dessert.
Another addition to the hampers, is four rolls of toilet paper.
The organization is also offering a bit of a "shopping experience" for those that come, Dyck says, with a rack from which they can take one item from.
"They can take a honey, a Nutella, they can take Cheese Whiz, evaporated milk, mayonnaise, (or) jams," he explains.
If the organization gets enough produce, then a rack will be available with fresh items.
While the organization is preparing for 365 hampers, there's no telling what could happen on the day of distribution.
"It could jump... we could have 10 people show up, so we have to make more," Dyck says.
The manager says there doesn't seem to be a pattern to when people show up for hampers or don't, but sometimes life events can get in the way of people getting what they need.
That being said, the demand is consistent, and the need for donations.
"It's always there. It doesn't slow down. It just keeps increasing. Sometimes a little bit, the next time lots," Dyck says.
He says SEHH is happy to help meet that demand, and grateful for community donations, noting it's not just about filling a need, but growing a deeply connected community.
"It's become a big happy family in most cases," he says.
"There's more people now that don't have relatives and friends," Dyck says, reminding these are usually the people that help those in their circles that may be facing challenges.
Without them, SEHH is the stand-between.
"We have become their family. I mean, I know most of them very personally," Dyck says.
He urges those who can, not to stop donating, and help make Easter a little better for others in the area.
Find more information on how to donate, and what SEHH needs, at sehh.ca.
Written with files from Carly Koop