Near the Cariboo Bethel Community Church at 550 Exeter Rd. are the buildings for Loaves & Fishes Outreach, a society that helps people who are going through emergencies and need food and clothing.
"We started out as a place for people to come to in the face of an emergency," says president Rusty Martin. "Now, we have people coming monthly."
Martin adds most people go to the Food Bank to receive their monthly hampers.
Loaves & Fishes is open Tuesdays and Fridays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Besides food items, they also have clothing, shoes, dishes and various other items, as the donations come in.
With Christmas coming, there is usually someone there during the week, Martin says, adding there is a lot of organizing to do, and with the addition put on the trailer a couple of years ago, there is so much more room.
"Cash donations are always appreciated. We need to buy fresh produce and meat.
"At Christmas, we like to be able to put special treats in the hampers besides the turkey or ham, such as oranges, chocolate and nuts."
Martin explains the donations of such items or money to purchase them would really help make someone's holiday special. If someone wishes to donate gifts, they are asked to bring new items.
People are also welcome to sponsor an individual or family by letting Loaves & Fishes know how many people they wish to sponsor, and then purchase enough food for the holiday dinner and one gift for each member of the chosen family.
"People in need must apply for a Christmas hamper [by Dec. 2]. We have the applications here.
"We ask all applicants to put down their interest or hobbies too and, hopefully, we can match a gift to meet their interests."
Applicants will be called and told when they can pick up their hamper between Dec. 19 and 21.
If people have applied for a hamper from the Food Bank, says Martin, they are not allowed to apply from Loaves and Fishes.
Volunteers especially during the Christmas season are welcome. For more information on donations or to volunteer, call Martin at 250-791-5227 or the Loaves & Fishes office at 250-395-2708.