Honey! It is a wonderful thing that you are doing. You are what Christmas is all about.
I like the ground beef (hamburger) idea, so much can be done with it.
I know that this family needs the basics but whenever we have made a hamper we always add a few treats. As simple as brownie mixes and icing to nuts, candies, chips.
This not only makes the kids happy but it gives something to mum. All us mums and dads want to see our childrens faces happy. It is a selfish thing, for us parents, it makes us feel good. However, if mama is happy, everyone is! It will make her feel good and that will help her family.