Once you’re assigned your family, you’ll receive information about any dietary restrictions they may have. We provide one standardized grocery list for all Holiday Hamper Elves to follow, helping ensure every family receives a consistent selection of food.Simply follow the grocery list while shopping and be sure to consider any dietary restrictions or allergies noted for your family. You’re also welcome to add a few extra items if you’d like to give a little more!

Each child in the family aged 17 and under receives a gift through Santa’s Anonymous, so every child can have something special during the holiday season, regardless of how their family celebrates.Want to add a little extra?Food is always our first priority. If you’d like to add more to your hamper, we encourage you to start with extra food items that can help stretch beyond the holiday meal. Refer to our grocery list for suggested additions.We know some Elves also choose to include an extra gift. This is completely optional and never expected. If you do, we recommend keeping it simple and choosing something the whole family can enjoy, such as a board game, movie night package, or craft kit.A few things to keep in mind:Food first: Extra food is one of the most meaningful ways to add to your hamper and support the whole family.Keep it inclusive: Choose items that can be enjoyed regardless of a family’s traditions, beliefs, or how they celebrate the season.Think family-friendly: If you choose to include a gift, consider the ages of the children and something the family can enjoy together.Above all, Holiday Hamper is a food program. Our goal is to help put wholesome food on the table for local families during a time of year when household budgets can be stretched a little further. Anything beyond the grocery list is entirely up to you.

Hamper delivery is scheduled for December 19, 2026. Here's what you need to know:Delivery Date: Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 19, 2026.Location:Edmonton Expo CentreAddress: 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0J2Time Slot Assignment:You will receive an assigned time slot via email.Time slots help manage traffic flow and reduce wait times.Please adhere to your assigned time to ensure a smooth process for everyone.Drive-Thru Process:Follow the signs and volunteer directions upon arrival.What to Expect:At your assigned station, you'll receive:The turkey and/or fish, roasting pans, extra fixings for your adopted familyThe address and contact information for your familyDelivery:Using the provided address, deliver the complete hamper to your adopted family.If you have issues with your delivery, a Hamper Hotline phone number is provided to assist and resolve any issues you may have.You must deliver your hamper immediately. Families are expecting the delivery prior to 2pm on Delivery Day.Unable to Deliver?If you can't make the December 19th date or deliver to the family, it is your responsibility as an Elf to find an alternative delivery driver. The Holiday Hamper Program does not provide alternate drivers.Remember, committing to be an Elf includes the responsibility of ensuring your adopted family receives their hamper.

If you can't make the Delivery Day date or deliver to the family, it is your responsibility as an Elf to find an alternative delivery driver. The Holiday Hamper Program does not provide alternate drivers. Please follow these steps if you can't deliver: a) Source a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to make the delivery on your behalf. b) Inform us of the change by emailing info@holidayhamper.ca with the new driver's details. c) Ensure the new driver is fully briefed on the pickup and delivery process. Remember, committing to be an Elf includes the responsibility of ensuring your adopted family receives their hamper. If you absolutely cannot find an alternative, please contact us immediately so we can explore options to ensure the family receives their hamper.

Start by following the provided grocery list, purchasing all required items and any optional extras you wish to include. Remember, each child receives gifts from Santas Anonymous, so if you're adding family gifts, wrap and label accordingly.For the container(s), you can use any large, sturdy option that's easy to carry, such as cardboard boxes, plastic storage bins, or traditional laundry baskets. When packing, place heavier items at the bottom and ensure fragile items are well-protected. Keep in mind that hampers can become quite heavy, so consider using multiple smaller containers instead of one large one, as you'll be carrying this to the family's home. If you've adopted more than one family, label each container clearly with the family ID number that will be provided. Before sealing everything up, double-check the grocery list to ensure nothing is missed and make sure perishables are properly stored until delivery day. Remember, on Delivery Day, you'll add the turkey and/or fish to your hamper at the Edmonton Expo Centre before delivering to your family.

We appreciate your desire to support the Holiday Hamper Program! Even if you can't adopt a family, there are several meaningful ways to contribute:Monetary Donations: Every dollar makes a difference. For example, a $40 donation provides a turkey for a family in need. Larger donations can support multiple families or fund essential grocery items.Sponsor Specific Items: You can choose to sponsor particular elements of our hampers, such as fresh produce, non-perishable goods, or needs we have for Delivery Day like Volunteer lunches, tents and heaters for our drive-thru operators, or other items that make that day a huge success.Volunteer on Delivery Day: Offer your time and skills. We need volunteers for various tasks, including hamper assembly, delivery day coordination, and administrative support.Corporate Sponsorship: If you're a business owner, consider becoming a corporate sponsor. This can involve financial contributions, in-kind donations, or employee volunteer initiatives.Spread the Word: Share information about the Holiday Hamper Program on social media or within your community. Increased awareness often leads to more support.Organize a Fundraiser: Host an event or online fundraiser in your workplace, school, or community group to support the program.Remember, the Holiday Hamper Program thrives on community support of all sizes. Whether you can give $5 or $500, volunteer for an hour or a day, every contribution helps us reach more families and make their holidays brighter. Your generosity, in any form, is greatly appreciated and makes a real difference in our community.