The last of the hamper deliveries have now happened for Steinbach Community Christmas.

Spokesperson Roger Blatz says about 994 hampers were handed out this year, culminating with Tuesday evening's pickup.

"Things went very, very well this year," he says.

(The shelves at South East Helping Hands were packed prior to delivery days.)According to Blatz, they were still short about 120 gifts as of Friday. But he says the community came through again, as by Monday morning they had enough gifts for everyone.

Though the committee is still tallying final numbers, Blatz says he is 100 per cent confident they will meet their budget this year.

"We've never not pulled it off, so I think we're really, really close already," says Blatz. "The money keeps coming in, so I don't think it's going to be a problem."

Blatz notes you certainly witness mixed emotions from those receiving a hamper. Recipients are extremely grateful, even though many would rather not be in that situation. He adds some people are ecstatic that they are being helped by others and that people see their need.

"It's a lot of fun when they bring their kids along and you see their eyes pop when those gifts get put into their vehicle," he recalls.

Blatz says a couple of things that worked really well this year were the expanded space at South East Helping Hands and also the option of making a donation online. He says they were also blessed with great weather.

"This was the best delivery day weather we've had, no rain, no sleet, no freezing cold weather," he says. "We could have the door open and just roll the carts in and out and load people and send them on their way."

Blatz says a big thank you to the entire community, including businesses that chipped in and restaurants that donated food for volunteers.