Glenwood Elementary is inviting the community to come and do some zumba on Thursday to raise money for the Christmas hamper society and their school’s gym equipment.

A zumbathon, held at the school at 21410 Glenwood Ave., is one of the first fundraisers in the community for the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.

The zumbathon is organized by the school’s parent advisory council and is being held from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children, $10 for adults, and $25 for a family of four or more. Tickets include snacks, refreshments, and an entry to win door prizes.

The PAC will be collecting new toys, non-perishable food, and cash for the hamper society.

The hamper society is working to get its message out to the community that low-income families have the opportunity to have a merry Christmas despite tight financial circumstances.

Families need to register with the society to get gifts for their children and a Christmas meal.

“We just want to make sure nobody falls through the cracks,” said Lorraine Bates, co-chair of the Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Christmas Hamper Society.

Last year the format for the hampers was changed. Instead of volunteers packing the hampers, registered families came by appointment and chose the gifts for their children.

“They loved it – the moms, dads loved it,” Bates said. “It was like giving them a free shopping spree.” The new format will continue this year.

The hamper society has already received sponsorship for 24 families through the Good Neighbour Program, which allows groups to collect money and shop for a family for their children’s gifts and Christmas dinner.

The Strip-a-thon at the Caddyshack, which raises money for the hamper society, is set for Dec. 2. The Fire Fighters for Families will be collecting donations on Dec. 15 for Friends In Need and for the hamper society.

Boxes will be at the Haney Place Mall and Valley Fair Mall for toy donations as of Dec. 1.

Donations of cash and toys for the hamper society can be brought to The TIMES office anytime (22345 North Ave.).

For more information on how to register, how to donate, or how to sponsor a family, go to www.mrpmchristmashamper.org or call 604-463-6922.

Hamper registration

Nov. 18, Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families register at Albion Fairgrounds

Nov. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families register at 20758 Lougheed Hwy.

Nov. 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pitt Meadows Lions Club, 12479 Harris Rd.

Dec.. 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Families register at the legion, 12101 224th St.