Last year, 1,522 households in Niagara Falls received Christmas baskets from Project SHARE. Pat Inneo, the staff representative for the charity's Christmas basket program, says that typically that number rises by 50 households each year. However, the community organization expects that number to go up even more this year. Already, in their first week of accepting applications for the program there have been 400 applications, 50 more than at this time last year.

Wigston, 47, will be one of the new applicants for the basket program this year. She and her husband, Barry, live in a three bedroom apartment in Chippawa with their four children ages 8, 11, 13 and 19 living on an income that falls well below the national poverty line as stated by Statistics Canada. The poverty line for a family of six is $44,077, almost double the Wigston's annual income of $23,000.

Barry suffers from a physical nerve disease and 15 years ago he had to leave his full-time job because his disease medication made him tired and physically ill. He was no longer able to work full-time hours. He currently works a few days a week doing bicycle repairs and receives money from the Ontario Disability Support Program.

Darlene currently divides her time between homeschooling her oldest child, working limited hours at Marineland as a janitor and volunteering at Project SHARE as part of the participation program.

Her daugfhter is being homeschooled on the recommendation of her cardiologist. The 19-year-old suffered a heart attack last May as a result of heart damage, the result of an ongoing sleeping disorder. Because of her chronic health problems, she had fallen behind in school because she was unable to attend on a regular basis.

While the Wigstons have needed food help before, Darlene says she was hesitant to take it.

"If I'm not totally desperate, I'll leave it for other people who do need it," she said but between rent, utilities and bus costs the family isn't left with much money to buy groceries.

In January, Darlene began volunteering at Project SHARE, eventually becoming part of the participation program. The program is set up for people who fall below the poverty line. If they volunteer three hours a month they are entitled to a small increase in the amount of food they can take. There is also food set aside specifically for participation program members.

The Project SHARE food bank is set up like a grocery store. Based on the number of family members and their annual income, they are eligible for a certain number of points. They can go shopping through the store and use those points to make food choices for their family. There are certain fresh items that when donated are free for all, no points attached, like bread and lettuce.

Families are allowed to use the food bank only once a month with the exception of the free items, and according to Jeff Guarasci, Resource Development and Communications Coordinator for Project SHARE, the food can last a family three to four days. As for the available food, it all depends on what is donated.

Guarasci says that donations have been slow to come in for this year's Christmas hamper campaign.

"People aren't in the Christmas spirit yet, they don't get in it until there is snow on the ground," he said. "We just need people to know that we're doing it now and need stuff now because the baskets are starting to be distributed Dec. 9."

The Wigstons, as well as other families who rely on the basket program for a little extra help during the holiday season, may have a problem finding suitable items in the donations for their older children. According to Project SHARE's Inneo, there is definitely a missing age demographic in the toy donations.

"We really need toys for children between the ages of eight and 16," he said. He went on to explain that a lot of people will go out and buy toys for young children and toddlers but often forget about the older children in the process.

"Big kids like Christmas, too." added Guarasci.

The Christmas basket program traditionally receives donations from schools and businesses, adopt-a-family programs as well as monetary donations. The program is set up similar to the food share. Darlene will be able to go in and pick out toys and items that would appeal to her children.

With the increasing demand for Christmas baskets and donations slowly trickling in, Guarsci has had to brainstorm additional ways to inspire the community to get involved.

Instead of employee gift exchanges, Guarasci suggests they sponsor a family this holiday or bring in food or toys. Or, when hosting a party Guarasci suggests requesting donations instead of presents.

"We have to encourage people in a different mindset," he said. "For instance, if you don't know what to get someone who has everything, you can make a donation in their honour."

Information about donating to Project S.H.A.R.E. can be found online at projectshare.ca.