This was the 29th year the Kettle River Lions Club delivered a Christmas hamper to some of the needy residents. It started off with 25 food baskets at the beginning and now in Christmas 2013, it has expanded to 130.
It is economic hardship that causes many people to look forward to a hamper. At the same time it is the good news that some families say, “We don’t need it this year because we found a job.” The real jump in need was found when Pope & Talbot closed its doors. Many of the workers at the plant and even more in the bush and local suppliers felt the need.
Recently, we found that seniors with only the basic government pension have moved into the area. When some sort of emergency arises, they find that the money isn’t there.
The Lions club had considered to not deliver to Greenwood, because they don’t have any members in the city. But thanks to the Board of Trade and the Rev. Straume, the hampers were delivered. Greenwood makes up over 50 per cent the people on the list. Other areas, like Bridesville, Rock Creek, Westbridge and Midway make up the remaining half.
Many members of the community who are not in need, contribute to the program and the Kettle River Lions Club is thankful for the help. The parcels with canned goods and other staple foods are getting pretty heavy and as the Lions are getting older, it is the time that they are looking for younger members to carry on the tradition of fundraising and community work. Information about membership may be received from any member or look up the regular advertisement in the Boundary Creek Times.