The demand for food hampers is great this year, and The Mustard Seed is in urgent need of items – particularly turkeys, hams and chickens – to provide hampers so families in need can have a hearty Christmas dinner.
Last year, The Mustard Seed distributed 735 Christmas food hampers to Calgarians in need. This year 1,000 people have already signed up, and up to 500 walk-ins are expected when the hampers are distributed in communities all over the city from December 17.
“We got almost 600 turkeys, hams and chickens donated through our Turkey Ham Jam event, but because of the increased demand, it isn’t going to be enough,” says Drew Gusztak, Volunteer Services Manager.
“We really need the support of generous Calgarians to make sure everyone who needs a food hamper gets one this Christmas.”
With food hamper distribution taking place from December 17 to December 22, donations are most urgently needed by 7 p.m. on Friday, December 16. The Mustard Seed will still continue to accept donations of food items till December 21, while donations of hygiene items and warm clothing are welcome all year round.
Donations can be dropped off at The Mustard Seed’s downtown location (102 11 Avenue SE). Receivers will be onsite to accept donations from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. every day of the week.
Christmas Food Hamper Ingredients:
- Turkey, hams and chickens (we have a freezer truck to store them)
- Canned vegetables
- Potatoes (fresh or dehydrated)
- Boxed stuffing (eg. Stove Top stuffing)
- Gravy mix packages
- 2L bottle of juice/pop
- Cranberry sauce
- pickles
- Coffee (already ground) and/or team bags
- Non-refrigerated dessert
- 1 Tinfoil roaster
Donations of foods like pasta and rice, which can serve families beyond the Christmas period are also encouraged.
See the Christmas Wish List to find out more about The Mustard Seed’s Christmas needs.
