Approximately 400 families will have received a Christmas hamper last night through the Winkler Cheer Board.

Cheer Board's Kim Ewert notes the number of applicants is up drastically from 340 hampers last year, ensuring "no family goes without food at Christmas time and no child goes without a gift."

The Winkler Cheer Board was started over 30 years ago, filling 11 hampers for local families. Since then it's continued to grow with the community.

Ewert notes hundreds of volunteer drivers took part on Wednesday to disperse the hampers to families in need of a boost.

"It's so exciting to deliver those hampers and see the kids receive those gifts."

Earlier this month, local businesses Winkler Canvass and Access Credit Union challenged each other to see who could raise more food for the cheer board. Between the two over 2,300 pounds of canned and dry goods were collected.

ACU's Rob Unruh notes while they raised close to 1,650 pounds, the real winner was the Winkler Cheer Board. "It's a very worthwhile cause we want to support... and bless some people in our community."

Last month, Scotia Bank and Golden West Radio teamed up for the 2018 Scotiabank Holly Jolly Breakfast, raising funds and awareness for the local cause.

RELATED ARTICLE: Holly Jolly Breakfast 2018 (VIDEO)