Share Family and Community Services expects to pack more hampers this holiday season as vulnerable families continue to need a little community support while they juggle all the bills and expectations people face this time of year.
Last year, 1,168 hampers were delivered during the Christmas period and this year the non-profit agency that runs the food banks in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody expects to pack over 1,300.
"The food and funds that we raise for the next 30 days will help us feed people in our local neighbourhoods, children in our schools, seniors and others who need our help. Please help us bring a warm welcome, at an important time of year, to our neighbours who need us," stated Share CEO Martin Wyant in an email.
Wyant said he's counting on the continued generosity of individuals, schools, businesses, sports teams, faith groups, and service clubs for this year's holiday food drive. As much as 40,000 pounds of food is needed to fill Christmas hampers this year and among the items needed are nutritious staples.
In fact, when donating, people are asked to keep the Canada Food Guide in mind.
Some of the most urgently needed items are:
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables
Canned fish and meat
Canned meals
Pasta and pasta sauce
Peanut Butter
Juice
Cereal
Rice
Pasta and pasta sauce
Financial donations are also requested to purchase extra items and run the delivery vans. Here are the three ways to donate:
Drop off your donations to Share at 2615 Clarke Street in Port Moody (at the back of the building).
Leave your donations in the designated bins at any grocery store in the Tri-Cities.
Give a financial donation by calling 604-540-9161 or visiting www.sharesociety.ca
