For the third year, staff, board members and a few other volunteers invested in the Horizon School Division's Christmas hamper program.

Through donations and and funding they are helping almost 100 families this holiday season not only providing gifts for the kids but necessities such as winter clothing and gift cards from local grocery stores.

"This Christmas hamper project as it's been known is something that allows or provides an opportunity for staff within our central office as well as staff from out in our schools to bring forth the names of families who may have some additional needs this Christmas season," Director of Education Kevin Garinger beamed Monday.

They finished up the program this week that is providing hampers to 98 HSD families which encompasses 246 children. In the program's first year they provided 45 families and 97 children. Last year those numbers climbed to 211 kids in 93 families.

It's become a staple for anyone involved and Garinger couldn't be prouder of everyone's effort and involvement.

"Every child receives some necessity items such as clothing and those kinds of things as well as a gift for an appropriate aged child and of course with our focus on literacy as you know every child gets a book too which is tremendous."

The HSD has provided up to $5,000 in funding plus there is corporate support as well as donations from the staff.

"It's a very exciting and powerful initiative," Garinger concluded.

You can hear more from Garinger below.