About 400 families in need across Lambton County will be receiving a Christmas hamper, through Petrolia's Christmas For Everyone campaign.
Coordinator Sandra Hartman said they've been able to fill around 900 boxes of food this year, thanks to the generosity of the community.
"I'm going to say [each box is] a good 20 pounds at least, but then on top of that, you have the produce that goes with it and toiletry items, so it just keeps getting higher and higher. We did it a few years back and it was like $200 worth of groceries per box -- not enough food for a family to live off of for a month, by any means, but it definitely would help them for a couple of weeks."
Hartman said volunteers started packing up the boxes of toys and food items Monday, and that area firefighters will be by to pick them up Thursday.
She said this year's initiative received a nice boost from the "Neighbour 2 Neighbour" food drive across rural Lambton county.
"We haven't turned anybody away, so we have enough to fill all of the applications for the boxes so far."
Hartman said their numbers are down a little bit this year and that those in need can still reach out for help, adding the program typically runs up until Christmas Eve.
-With files from Sue Storr
