For the past 7 years Helping Hands in Grande Prairie is continuing the tradition of helping families in need this Christmas season.  President Jennifer Farquhar, started the organization 7 years ago. Last year they helped 187 families. This year they expect the numbers to climb and are already at 90 families to help this year.  President Jennifer Farquhar said the organization started because her husband was diagnosed with leukemia. 

“The reason we started is because seven years ago my husband was actually diagnosed with leukemia. We were actually covered and sponsored that year for our own Christmas, so for me it was kind of a need to give back and so for the last seven years we have done Christmas hampers every year and we have now gone into doing full-time year round food hampers as well for families in need” 

This year, the organization will be doing it again. Most of what they do is direct community sponsorship to families. They collect items to help fill the void that won't be able to get done or things that pop up.  

If your looking to help them out this year, they have donation locations all over town. They will also be having a stuff the truck event starting November 23rd.  They will be looking for toys, toiletries, personal care items, and food. If you would like to help families this year, the deadline is December 3rd.  

You can contact them at helpinghands.grandeprairie@gmail.com or through their Facebook page.