Paris Christmas Hamper Program continues long tradition of community giving

Community volunteers pack food boxes during the 2024 Christmas Hamper sorting night, working together to ensure families across Paris and area enjoy a festive and worry-free holiday season.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

A decades-old holiday tradition is once again bringing the Paris community together as volunteers, students, service clubs and businesses rally to support the annual Paris Community Christmas Hamper Program.

The long-running initiative, started more than 30 years ago in the basement of local resident Marg Knill, has grown from just a handful of hampers to more than 150 delivered each year to families in Paris and the surrounding area. What hasn’t changed is its purpose: ensuring every household can enjoy a joyful Christmas, regardless of circumstance. 

Although applications are still coming in, the Christmas Hamper Committee says the need is steady and meaningful.

“There are so many factors that influence why an individual or family would utilize our services,” said committee member Cherish Gamble. “Some families may need help once. Others may experience shifting circumstances from year to year. But the need is consistent, and that’s why the program is here.”

The committee says the hallmark of the program, this year and every year, is the community itself. Donations come from every corner of town: classrooms collecting canned goods, children choosing a toy to donate at the parade, churches and service clubs hosting drives, businesses operating drop-off points, and firefighters running their annual toy drive.

“The community donations truly make this program possible, and our volunteers work from there to put it together,” Gamble said.

Close to 100 volunteers lend their time during sorting week to organize food, stock shelves, pack gifts and assemble hampers before distribution day. It’s a holiday scene unlike any other - volunteers in Christmas hats, music playing, boxes being filled and stacked - an experience the committee says is “a heart-warming reminder of what community looks like at Christmas.” 

While each hamper includes the makings of a holiday meal, extra groceries and age-appropriate gifts for children, Gamble said the program’s impact extends far beyond what’s in the box.

“Every item of food or toy donated is far more than food on the table and a toy under the tree,” she said. “For some families, it means they were able to have a Christmas; it's that simple. For others, it means they could direct limited resources toward housing, medical needs or caregiving while still giving their family a holiday.”

Families often express how supported they feel, she added. “A strong team works together, and a strong community is no different.”

From students to emergency services, to local clubs and neighbourhood families, the committee says watching the program come together year after year never loses its impact.

“Seeing the community step up the way they do makes us all feel very proud and grateful to be part of this community,” Gamble said.

For her, and many long-time volunteers, there’s also a personal motivation.

“I continue to volunteer because I think everyone deserves to have a nice Christmas,” she said. “Good things happen when people feel cared for and supported.”

This year, the committee has one clear message for residents: the program only exists because the community keeps it alive.

“It’s the community that makes this happen through donation and effort,” the committee said in an email to the Paris Independent. 

Applications for hampers are currently available through the County of Brant Customer Service office. Donations of non-perishable food, new toys, hats and mittens can be dropped off at locations throughout Paris until early December. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for individuals, groups or businesses wishing to support a specific family. If you are interested, please contact Shirley Simons at 519-442-3550. 

Christmas boxes will be located at several businesses throughout our community where residents may drop off your nonperishables and new toys for all age groups from newborn to 12 years old.

The Paris Firefighters Club will be present at Jingle Bell night in Paris on Friday November 21, collecting nonperishables, new toys and monetary donations. They’ll also will be at Paris Canadian Tire November 27-30 where they will be collecting new toys and donations.

OPP and Paramedics will be running their “Fill A Vehicle” program the weekends of December 6&7 and December 13&14 at Sobeys, No Frills, Foodland, Burford and St. George, also a boot collection in Onondaga.

As Paris continues to grow, the committee hopes new residents will embrace the program as warmly as long-time locals have - ensuring the spirit of giving remains at the heart of the holiday season.