Registration opens today for families and individuals in need of support through Steinbach Community Christmas. Co-chairs Carolyn Peters and Roger Blatz say preparations are already well underway for this year’s program, which provides food and gifts to hundreds of families in the Southeast. Registration now open Peters explains that both hamper recipients and volunteer drivers can register through the organization’s website, steinbachcommunitychristmas.com. “All registration is done online,” she says. “People can register themselves, families they know who are in need, or groups such as churches and schools can submit names on behalf of others.” This year, the program is also welcoming La Broquerie Helping Hands as they work together with hamper distribution in their area. “As lots of people know, it's a new program as of last year for La Broquerie for their food bank to service their areas of La Broquerie, Woodridge, Marchand, and Sandilands,” Peters says. “They once again asked if they could partner with us to do the Christmas Hampers. We're very fortunate to have them on board to help us service those areas. Their food bank committee will be very involved this year again, even more so than last year, to get their area serviced. They'll be doing lots of deliveries into those areas. They'll be helping with the assembly of the hampers. They're already on board starting with toy drives in their community.” Blatz adds, “It makes a lot of sense financially for them as well, because we're buying such volume of food that we just partner with them, they partner with us. It all makes sense in the end.” Food costs expected to top $100,000 Blatz says the committee has already sent out tenders for groceries and meat. He expects total food costs to be well over $100,000, with poultry being among the most expensive items. “The chickens and turkeys are a huge chunk of money,” he says. “Thankfully, we have a lot of great businesses around us donating other items, which helps tremendously.” Peters adds that donations are critical to cover expenses, noting the importance of both corporate sponsors and individual contributions. “Every donation matters,” she says. “It doesn’t matter how big or small. Even kids collecting change make a difference.” Monetary donations and drop-off options Financial donations can be made directly on the website, which issues an automatic tax receipt. Cheques should be made out to Southeast Helping Hands, with Community Christmas written in the memo line to ensure proper designation. Donations can be dropped off at 525 Main Street in Steinbach during regular business hours, or placed in the secure drop box on the door at any time. Cash donations can also be left in an envelope with a name and address for a tax receipt. Blatz notes that while online giving is preferred, donations can also be mailed or picked up if needed. Serving communities across the Southeast Steinbach Community Christmas serves families in Steinbach, Blumenort, Mitchell, La Broquerie and Marchand. The program also accepts registrations from Woodridge, Sandilands, St. Labre, Zhoda and Carrick, though hampers in those areas are available for pickup rather than home delivery. This year’s delivery dates are scheduled for December 8, 10 and 12 from 1 to 6 p.m. A drive-through pickup day will take place December 15 from 1 to 6 p.m. Community support remains strong Both co-chairs say they are continually inspired by the generosity of the region’s residents and businesses. Many workplaces organize internal fundraisers, toy drives, or matching donation campaigns to support the cause. “We have organizations that raise money and their employers match it,” says Peters. “It gets everyone involved and makes a big difference.” Toys Days coming in December As in past years, Toys Days will take place at Canadian Tire in Steinbach on December 3 and 4, where residents can drop off new, unwrapped toys for families in need. Deliveries of Christmas hampers will begin on December 8. “Last year we were able to distribute 1,464 hampers. This year our target is about 1,480 for families, and we’re aiming for around 2,100 toys for children,” Peters explained. In 2024, they collected enough gifts for 2,073 children. “We’re so grateful for the generosity that continues year after year,” she added. “It really takes the whole community to make this happen.” Contact information Steinbach Community Christmas operates out of the Southeast Helping Hands Food Bank at 525 Main Street in Steinbach, located between the fire hall and the United Church. Anyone with questions can email steinbachcommunitychristmas@gmail.com or call or text 204-381-4193 or 204-381-2350.