The Family Resource Association is organizing their Holiday Hamper Program again this year to support families in the Parksville Qualicum Beach area.
Last year they put together 42 hampers for their clients and this year they are aiming for 100 but they need help from the community.
The hampers provide a kind of holiday in a box for their clients which are generally working families struggling to make ends meet, explained FRA executive director Deborah Joyce.
"A lot of people are finding it very difficult with shorter hours and no benefits and the cost of everything going up there is a greater need for the basics," she said.
The hampers are then delivered directly by the FRA staff, keeping the recipients confidential.
Each hamper is worth about $100 and people can donate either money or any of the items on the grocery list, available through the FRA and participating businesses.
She said this is a great way to help some of those families struggling on the edge who have trouble coming forward to less confidential forums for help.
Items can be dropped off at the Parksville locations of Saheli Boutique, Coast Community Credit Union, BodyWorks Fitness or the Chamber of Commerce.
The FRA is organizing a full day for donation drop-offs, hamper packing and fun including a lunchtime hotdog roast next Monday, Dec. 16 at their office at 198 Morrison Ave.
For more information, including the grocery list, call 250-752-6766 or visit www.d69fra.org under 'Events.'