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, please wrap and label them 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.

Our commitment to supporting Edmonton families in need relies on strong community partnerships. We work closely with 80+ Edmonton Public and Catholic schools. School staff, including principals, social workers, and teachers, identify families facing hardship and offer them the opportunity to participate in our program.To ensure efficient and fair distribution, we collaborate with the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton to verify eligibility and avoid duplicate registrations. In addition, every child aged 17 and under in participating families receives gifts through Santa’s Anonymous.Together, we provide the food and our community partners provide gifts, helping create a meaningful holiday experience for every family, whatever their traditions or how they choose to celebrate.

This year, Delivery Day is on December 19th.

We operate with staggered Delivery Day timeslots. We will assign you a specific window to come to the Edmonton Expo Centre to check in, pick up your additional items, receive your family address, and deliver your hamper. Once your timeslot is assigned, you can request a change through your Elf account if needed.

Delivery Day happens thanks to our amazing partnership with the Edmonton EXPO Centre, located at 7515 118 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB. Click here for our Delivery Day drive-thru map & checklist!Bring your completed food hamper(s) with you to the Edmonton EXPO Centre. If you’re delivering to more than one family, make sure each hamper is clearly labelled with the correct family number. This helps us make sure every hamper gets to the right family.Double-check those labels before you leave home!

If you can't make the Delivery Day date or deliver to the family, it is your responsibility 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) Ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to deliver the hamper on your behalf.b) Log in to your Elf Portal to assign your driver and enter their information. Every hamper must have a driver assigned, and all driver information must be completed by December 16.c)  Make sure your driver is fully briefed on the pickup and delivery process. Remember, adopting a family means making sure their hamper gets to them on Delivery Day.If you absolutely cannot find an alternative driver, please contact us immediately so we can explore options to ensure the family receives their hamper.

We’ve perfected our fast and convenient drive-thru! Simply arrive at the Edmonton Expo Centre during your assigned timeslot to pick up your turkey or fish, roasting pan, and locally donated goodies. You’ll also receive the address for your adopted family, then you’re on your merry way to deliver some holiday joy!

That’s great! If you have multiple drivers delivering your hampers, each driver must be assigned to a specific hamper in your Elf Portal by December 16.Please make sure each driver’s information is complete and up to date, and that every hamper has a driver assigned before the deadline.On Delivery Day, each driver can come through the Expo Centre drive-thru during your assigned timeslot, pick up their items, and head out to deliver their assigned hamper(s).

Pack your hamper in sturdy, easy-to-carry containers or boxes with secure bottoms and handles, if possible. Keep in mind that hampers can be heavy, and depending on where your family lives, you may need to carry your hamper some distance from your vehicle to their door. Please pack accordingly and be prepared for the walk!If you’re delivering multiple hampers, make sure each one is clearly labelled with the correct family number so they arrive at the right home.

Absolutely! Donations are an important part of making the Holiday Hamper Program possible. Whether you make a one-time donation or choose to give monthly, your support helps us provide food and support to Edmonton families throughout the holiday season and year-round.Click here to donate.

Eligible monetary donations receive a tax receipt. When you make a donation through our website, we collect the personal or corporate information needed to issue your receipt.Please note: Grocery purchases made for your adopted family are not eligible for a tax receipt.

Do you, or your company, want to make a positive impact in our community? We are looking for long-term partnerships to help sustain and grow this amazing program. These partnerships will advance the Foundation's mission, broadening our impact, assisting more families, and addressing the escalating food insecurity among our community's most vulnerable. Here are a few examples, but we welcome discussions to create a customized partnership aligning with your organization's objectives. To become a sponsor of the Holiday Hamper program, please contact chris.curtola@holidayhamper.ca.

Yes! Click here to download the package.

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.

The Holiday Hamper Program partners with Edmonton Public and Catholic Schools, the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton, and 880 CHED Santas Anonymous to support families in need during the holiday season.​​​If your family, or someone you know, is in need of assistance this year, please review the Client Application Eligibility and Process, and fill out the application form through the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton to receive a food hamper.To receive toys for your children, applications must be submitted directly to Santas Anonymous at applytosantas.ca in addition to your application to the Christmas Bureau of Edmonton.​ The deadline to apply is December 1, 2026.

Hamper delivery is scheduled for December 19, 2026.Santa's Anonymous delivers on December 12th & 19th, 2026.