Strathmore & Wheatland County
​Christmas Hamper Society
A History

This program began in 1981 when the Strathmore Seniors Happy Gang identified one particular family in need. They approached Wheatland Family & Community Support Services (WFCSS), who accepted the Christmas Hamper challenge.

 Incorporated in Alberta, and previously called The Strathmore & District Christmas Hamper, we are now known as Strathmore & Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society. Supporting residents of Strathmore, Hussar, Rockyford, Standard and Wheatland County. We became a charitable society in 1985 and is currently run by an Executive Committee. Annual General Meetings are held every October.  
​
 This project depends solely on volunteer help and community donations. Businesses, churches, schools, and service organizations are instrumental in the success of the program. In recent years we have seen donations come in from people and businesses outside of our area, which we graciously accept.
Donations and financial support come from the smaller communities throughout the County, as well as Strathmore. In turn, the Christmas Hamper Society supports these communities with food purchases from local grocery stores within the County. These food items go into the Hampers. Any donations made to the Strathmore & Wheatland County Christmas Hamper Society stay within the County of Wheatland. You can make a donation by contacting us at [email protected]
​
​Each year our numbers grow but with our present needs we aim to raise a minimum of $160,000 consisting of foods, toy, and cash donations to assist in ensuring no families in need goes with out at Christmas time. The number of hampers needed changes yearly and in 2025 we filled 255 hampers with food and toys supporting 326 children ages newborn to 18 years. All residents living within Strathmore and the County of Wheatland are eligible to apply for a Christmas Hamper.
​The Wheatland County Food Bank is a completely different organization and is not associated with the Christmas Hamper. However, the Wheatland County Food Bank does assist and cooperate/supply the Christmas Hamper project when faced with shortages of food items each year. During this campaign, all donations left in drop-off boxes throughout the County will go to the Christmas Hamper program unless otherwise stipulated.
  
Running a non for profit, does come with challenges. Recently we were in need of a storage/building with space to stockpile, prepare and distribute from as well as house the leftover items. Thanks to the generosity of Jodi and Russell Koester we have secured a new location. Our current expenses consist of rent, insurance, telephone, professional and advertising totaling approximately $20,000 per year. Our flat-based costs to operate have kept creeping up these past few years. We are able to lower expenses due to the Volunteers base made of up local residents, businesses and numerous sports teams.
The Christmas Hamper Society has seen many changes throughout the years, but the one things that has remained steadfast and true is: Our number one goal is to support local residents in their time of need over the holidays!
 
Please visit our Volunteering page if you are interested in supporting us with your time.