RVP File Photo

Lioness President Crystal Adamo stands in front of donations to the organization's Christmas Hamper Program. This year's campaign is now underway and organizers are looking for sponsors and donations to fill hampers for needy families and seniors in Airdrie.

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Airdrie Lioness Christmas Hamper Program now underway

Airdrie Lioness Club recently launched its 2012 Adopt-a-Family Christmas Hamper Program.

The group is looking for volunteers, donations and requests for the hampers, which will be given out to local families in need on Dec. 16.

“This 35-year Christmas Hamper Program, has brought many smiles to children, seniors and those that need a bit of help at Christmas,” said Lioness President Crystal Adamo. “It is going to be a great year for our program and we are excited to get it going.”

For more than three decades the Airdrie Lioness have been putting together the hampers, which include sufficient non-perishable food items for a week, as well as Christmas dinner. The hampers also include a gift, worth about $50, for each family member in the recipient family.

Last year, the Lioness helped about 1,000 Airdronians, including seniors and families, according to Adamo.

This year the group is expecting a record year for hamper requests so they are asking residents, businesses and organizations to Adopt-a-Family.

The Adopt-A-Family program pairs families with donors, giving them a profile of a family in need, a grocery list, and a special wish list to help personalize the hampers. The approximate cost of each hamper, including gifts and food, for a family of four is $400.

Those wanting to sponsor a family are encouraged to ask friends, family, co-workers, teachers or classmates to join them.

For those not wanting to take on an entire hamper, the Lioness Club accepts monetary and food donations.

“Our demand for Hampers is expected to be in excess of 320, so we need to raise as much money as possible to fill those hampers that do not get adopted,” said Lioness Treasurer Dianne Durda.

Adamo said the program is 100 per cent organized by volunteers, so when someone donates, the money goes towards helping others. She added the program makes a big impact on the community.

“It’s about service,” said Adamo, as to why the organization is so committed to the program. “We are a group of community ladies that care about our citizens and want to do our part to make Airdrie a great place to live.”

Tax receipts are available upon request for monetary donations, which can be mailed to Box 80102 RPO TowerLane Airdrie, AB T4B 2V8.

The Lionesses are now taking hamper requests from Airdrie residents.

“We are also accepting requests from those requiring a Christmas hamper. We want to get families matched up with sponsors as soon as possible,” said Lioness Joyce Lewis.

If you or someone you know requires a hamper, contact organizers at 403-660-1569. For more information, visit www.airdrielionessclub.com or contact Airdrie Lionesses at 403-660-1569, or by email at airdrielioness@gmail.com to register.