The Holiday Hamper Program is an Edmonton-based charity initiative that connects community members with local families in need during the holiday season. Volunteers, known as Holiday Hamper Elves, adopt families and shop for essential items to create holiday meal hampers, following a standardized grocery list. The program culminates at the Edmonton Expo Centre with a city-wide Delivery Day, where Elves personally deliver the hampers to their adopted families, spreading joy and fostering community connections Delivery Day happens the Saturday before December 25th.

Once you're assigned your adopted family, you'll receive information about any dietary restrictions they may have. We provide a standardized grocery list for all Holiday Hamper Elves to follow. This list ensures consistency across all hampers and takes into account common dietary needs. Simply stick to this list while shopping, making adjustments only for the specific dietary restrictions of your adopted family, if any. There are even some suggested add-ons if you have a little extra to give!

Each child in the family receives a gift from Santas Anonymous and Adopt-A-Teen, ensuring that every child has something special for the holidays. Here's a breakdown: Santas Anonymous provides gifts for children up to age 12. Adopt-A-Teen provides gift cards for teens aged 13-17. Additional gifts: If you wish to add extra, consider these options: Family gifts: Items the whole family can enjoy together, such as board games, movie night packages, or craft kits. Extra food items: Refer to our grocery list for suggested add-ons that can make the holiday meal more special or provide additional meals. Gift guidelines: Focus on food first: While gifts are appreciated, additional food items can have a lasting impact beyond the holidays. Age-appropriate: If adding gifts, ensure they're suitable for the family's age range. Remember, while gifts bring joy, the primary focus of the Holiday Hamper Program is to ensure families have a nutritious and festive holiday meal. Any extra contributions towards food items are greatly appreciated and can make a significant difference in a family's holiday experience.

Hamper delivery is scheduled for December 21, 2024. Here's what you need to know: Delivery Date: Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 21, 2024. Location: Edmonton Expo Centre Address: 7515 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5B 0J2 Time 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: Similar to previous years, we'll be operating a drive-thru experience. 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 family The address and contact information for your family Delivery: 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 an resolve any issues you may have. Unable to Deliver? If you can't make the December 21 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 and Adopt-A-Teen, so if you're adding family gifts, please leave them unwrapped for security reasons. 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.

Our commitment to supporting Edmonton families in need relies on strong community partnerships. We work closely with over 80 Edmonton public and Catholic schools. School staff—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 duplication of registrations. In addition, all families are included in Santa's Anonymous and Adopt-a-Teen to guarantee every child receives gifts. This collaborative approach ensures we bring joy and much-needed support to families during the holiday season.