Holiday Hampers,
a heartwarming program with immense impact

Every year in mid-November, TDSB social workers share the stories of families in our community who are struggling to make ends meet. Many face challenges such as illness, unemployment, underemployment, poverty, domestic violence, disabilities, or mental health issues. Some are newcomers to Canada, working hard to rebuild their lives with very limited resources.

These parents are doing their best to provide the basics — food on the table, warm clothing for their children — yet the holidays can feel out of reach. The hampers bring comfort, hope, and joy, making an extraordinary difference in their season.

Those in need also include youth who cannot live at home, often because of abuse or neglect, and who are residing in community shelters. For many of these teens, the hampers may hold the only gifts they’ll receive — a reminder that they are seen, cared for, and not alone.

  • "One mother was so happy that she started to cry and said that she has never seen anything like this Hamper in her life. She was so excited to see her children's faces on Christmas morning. She was also so excited to feed them delicious healthy food that she was able to buy because of your generosity with grocery gift cards. Further, she was so happy to have the ability to snuggle together with her children on the sofa playing the games you so generously gave the family"

  • "Every year, I have been absolutely amazed by the overwhelming generosity of the school community. The specialized and thoughtful approach to each family's needs and attention to detail has been incredible. Seeing the relief and gratitude on the faces of parents, many of whom have had such difficult years and stresses in their lives, has been truly warming. Thank you so much for giving these families a beautiful and much deserved Holiday"

  • “The Holiday Hamper received by one family made the difference between being able to buy extra food for their Holidays (such as a turkey) and not having anything special to eat. When I delivered the Holiday Hamper to this family the father had tears in his eyes and said that he would one day give back when he was able to work again.”

  • "As a TDSB social worker, I have been able to access support for families through your program for many years. The care and work that goes into these individualized items for children and parents has been extraordinary!! Many familes and children would have gone without anything special and items they need, such as winter coats and boots; without your support"

How it works

Social workers meet with recipient families and compile a wish list for each family member including items such as toys, clothing, household necessities and gift certificates. The wish list is personalized with colours, sizes and preferences so the children will receive gifts that they actually want, need and will fit them.

Participating schools can choose to support one family per classroom, one per grade or advisor group, or several smaller classrooms supporting one large family. Each school will receive however many family profiles they’ve requested and are asked to collect contributions towards the family’s wish list.

Each classroom, student or staff group requires volunteers to co-ordinate donations and ensure that all family members receive items off their wish list. A school wide assembly can be held to introduce the initiative and let students know where they can drop off donations.

The social workers pick up hampers from the schools just before the holidays and deliver them directly to the families.

Sample Profile

Tips for making amazing hampers

Decorate them

Turn the holiday hamper into an art project. Decorate with ribbons, stickers, wrapping paper and snowflakes

Include holiday cards

Make holiday cards for the family with messages of love, support and hope. These can go inside the hamper in an envelope with grocery gift cards

Use Gift Bags

Please don’t wrap the presents but use festive unsealed gift bags with colourful name tags for each family member

New Items Only

The hampers are meant to be special, please only donate items that are new or in “like new” condition

Questions?

Visit FAQ

We’re here to help

Please get in touch if you need help supporting the holiday hamper program at your school

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