Another successful holiday season full of generosity in Thunder Bay.

The Christmas Cheer Fund has begun handing out their gift boxes at the CLE Grounds to those in need, after a flood of donations from the community.

Those in the south ward are up first, and can pick up their hampers between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Heritage Building. This will be followed by north ward residents between the same times and same location on Dec. 15.

The Christmas Cheer Fund is a non-profit charity that is 100 per cent volunteer based. All funds raised go towards helping families in the community, with last years efforts providing food and toys to over 8,000 people in the community.

A large part of the donations come from Acadia Broadcasting’s 36 Hours of Cheer, which this time around began Dec. 9. The event saw donations from many local businesses, schools, organizations, and individuals all looking to brighten up other’s holiday seasons.

While contributions are still welcome, 36 Hours of Cheer raised over $240,000 in less than two days this year.

There is still time to donate if you have not yet, and is as simple as texting CHEER to 344-TBAY. If you wish to donate online or would like to learn other means of doing so, you can visit this website.