The food has been collected and the hampers handed out, but the Christmas Cheer Fund is still far short of its $160,000 goal.
Christmas Cheer chairwoman Linda Gambee said since the hampers were given out, about $20,000 in donations have come in. But even with those donations, the Cheer fund still needs another $30,000 to pay off all the food that was purchased.
Gambee said if the difference isn't made up soon, the charity will likely have to take out a loan to cover expenses.
She said officials with the Cheer campaign are now looking at what they can do differently to help avoid being in a similar situation next season.
She added that while they won't stop giving out hampers next year, if not enough money is not raised the charitable handouts may have to be smaller.
Gambee also said that even though there are only three days left in 2011, it's never too late to donate.
Any donations made from Jan. 1 on will receive a 2012 tax receipt.
(Thunder Bay Television)
