The North Island Gazette is pleased to announce the start of the 34th annual Christmas Hamper Fund drive, which brings North Island communities together to help their needy neighbours during the holiday.
Hamper applications have gone out through a variety of social service organizations, and a copy can be found in this week's Gazette.
Applications may be filled out and dropped off at the Gazette office or, in the case of those living on Reserve, at your band office.
The deadline to submit an application is Nov. 28.
Hampers will be delivered Saturday, Dec. 21. Residents must be home at that time to receive a hamper; the boxes will not be left at an unattended home.
The Hamper Fund welcomes contributions of non-perishable food items, new children’s toys and money. Last year’s fund raised more than $42,000 and delivered 580 hampers.