The Rhineland Empty Stocking Fund is gearing up for another season of spreading Christmas Cheer. The Altona-area group helps those who are less fortunate at Christmas time by providing food hampers and gifts.

Chair Cindy Hildebrand says organizers are looking for volunteers to help pack those hampers on Saturday morning. People are asked to meet at the old Sawatzky's Furniture building.

"You need not apply anywhere, just show up the morning of the tenth for the wrapping - we start at 9 o'clock - and if everything goes well we should be done before noon."

She adds organizers couldn't ask for better volunteers that come out each year.

"Last year we had three hundred plus gifts to wrap and it was done in less than an hour, so that's a good indication of how many volunteers did show up and we are very thankful for that."

As for when these hampers will be delivered, Hildebrand says that will happen the following Saturday, December 17th. Volunteers interested in helping with that process are asked to meet again at the old Sawatzky's Furniture building that day.

"Christmas is a special time and we're just doing a part for those that are less fortunate and are maybe having a rough time this year, we just want to make sure that everyone has a Merry Christmas."

Donations are also still being accepted to help pay for these hampers. Funds can be dropped off at Rexall Drugs in Altona; Access Credit Union in Gretna, Altona and Plum Coulee; or mailed to Rhineland Empty Stocking Fund, Box 2255, Altona MB.