Ten École Duncan families receive food hampers as times get tougher

École Duncan Elementary Grade 6 students Katie Mosewich and Sebastien Large with Christmas food-hamper items collected for 10 of the school’s families in need. The families’ names are kept private. Hampers are delivered by principal Pedro Manguel.

Peter W. Rusland

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Ten École Duncan Elementary School families shared the giving spirit of food hampers this year.

Only principal Pédro Manguel knows which families received the hampers he delivered before Christmas.

"They're extremely appreciative of the boxes of food of all types, including a turkey, a ham and cheese," said Manguel, who launched his school's helping-hamper drive in 2009.

"Students bring non-perishable items and I buy some perishable goods," he said of cash donated by school families.

"Last year, eight hampers were delivered, but it's been a tough year."

Families requiring hampers contact Manguel privately, then he talks to them about their needs. "I usually have a good idea which families are in need.

"I wish everyone could see the look of gratitude on their (receiving families') faces — it makes this all so worthwhile."