The Chatham Goodfellows office is set to open its phone line.
Starting Tuesday, November 12, families can call 519-354-1146 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to register for a food hamper.
"A family of two or less, they receive a turkey roll or a ham, their choice, and about 25 pounds of food," said Goodfellows Director Tim Mifflin. "Family over two, they receive a box, and there's a 10 to 12-pound turkey, potatoes, carrots, all the fixings, plus we provide milk."
But Mifflin added that they also do toy hampers for kids.
"If there's children under 12, we need to know if they're boys or girl and their age because obviously we provide age-appropriate toys," said Mifflin. "Older children receive hygiene packs, so we just want to make sure that everything's just perfect for them at Christmas."
A number of fundraising events are planned leading up to distribution, including Porchlight on Monday, December 2, and street sales on Friday, December 13 and Saturday, December 14.
Toy Packing will take place from December 9 to 12 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at their new location, 70 Leeson Dr. (Behind Honda House). Toy delivery will take place on Tuesday, December 17, after 5:30 p.m.
Food packing will take place on Wednesday, December 18 at Spirit and Life Centre at 8 a.m. with deliveries beginning at 11:30 a.m.
"We pack about 14 to 1450 in terms of boxes of food this year. And it's done in three hours, and we start delivering at 11, 11:30 in the morning."
The deadline for applications is Friday, December 6th. Goodfellows investigates applicants to ensure there is a need for assistance. All applicants are cross-referenced with the Salvation Army and other area groups who provide Christmas hampers to ensure there is no duplication.
