Even more hampers are needed this year than ever, according to Fort Saskatchewan Christmas Hamper campaign organizers.

Food bank volunteers are preparing to deliver 450 hampers come December 20, says Olivia O'Neill, Volunteer and Communications Manager with the food bank.

"Overall, the amount of people using the food bank has gone up quite a bit," she notes. Not only has demand for monthly hampers increased, but so has demand for the thrice-weekly Daily Bread program.

The food bank is also seeing more working couples and also more unhoused/living rough clients, she adds.

Hamper campaign collection stations are now at all local grocery stores, and will be collecting food, cash and toys until Dec. 19. Most wanted items include books for all ages, teen graphic novels, hot wheels track sets, touques, mitts, slime, teen games, colouring sets and local gift certificates for fast food, groceries or the Fort Cinema.

Sign up to get a hamper before Dec. 8 at the food bank or go to fortsaskachewanfoodbank.com

Hampers will be delivered on Saturday, Dec. 20. Volunteer drivers are wanted that day starting at 9 a.m.