Christmas Hampers

Smithers Community Services Association (SCSA) is pleased to announce the launch of its 2026 Christmas Hamper Program, continuing a longstanding community tradition of bringing hope, kindness, and essential food support to individuals and families across Smithers and Telkwa.

As rising food prices and living costs continue to place financial pressure on households, the Christmas Hamper Program remains an important part of SCSA's commitment to helping vulnerable community members meet their basic needs, particularly during the holiday season.

This year, SCSA is introducing a new three-day distribution schedule to improve accessibility and convenience for recipients. Gift cards will be available for pick-up on Thursday, December 17, followed by Christmas hamper pick-up on Friday, December 18, and home deliveries on Saturday, December 19, 2026. This change will provide greater flexibility for families while allowing staff and volunteers to coordinate distribution more efficiently.

SCSA is also grateful to the Town of Smithers for generously providing the former Heartstrings Building at 3761 Third Avenue, Smithers, as this year's Christmas Hamper depot. This valuable community partnership will provide a dedicated space for organizing, preparing, and distributing hampers to local households.

In 2025, SCSA distributed 224 Christmas hampers, including 72 sponsored by local donors, businesses, and service groups. The campaign also brought together 31 volunteers and raised $52,075 to support families in need.


Although the Christmas Hamper Program focuses on the holiday season, SCSA welcomes donations year-round, with contributions received outside the campaign supporting ongoing food security initiatives for vulnerable individuals and families.

“The Christmas Hamper Program would not be possible without the generosity and compassion of our community. With the rising cost of food and everyday living expenses, many individuals and families are struggling to meet their basic needs.

At SCSA, supporting people with these basic needs is one of our key priorities. Holiday season can be an especially challenging time for families experiencing financial hardship, particularly when they want to create meaningful holiday memories for their children.

Our Christmas Hamper Program is about more than providing food. It is about reminding people that they are not alone, that their community cares, and that everyone deserves dignity, kindness, and a sense of belonging during the holiday season.

Food insecurity does not end when Holiday season is over. Our long-term vision is to strengthen this program and explore opportunities to provide more consistent food security support throughout the year. I am deeply grateful to our donors, sponsors, volunteers, community partners, and staff who make this program possible year after year. Together, we can continue building a compassionate community where everyone feels supported and included.”

— Myung Lee, Executive Director

2026 Distribution Dates

  • Thursday, December 17: Gift card pick-up
  • Friday, December 18: Christmas hamper pick-up
  • Saturday, December 19: Christmas hamper delivery

Hamper depot: former Heartstrings Building, 3761 Third Avenue, Smithers


Contact Info

Erin O’Coffey - Christmas Hamper Program Coordinator
hampers@scsa.ca
250-806-0872

Myung Lee, Executive Director
myung.lee@scsa.ca | 604-401-0234

Christmas Hamper 2026 Flyer