Salvation Army in Powell River has started its annual food drive that continues until December 8.
Captain Rick Robins said the army runs three different food programs, including food hampers that are available on Mondays and Fridays at the church on Joyce Avenue.
Recently he’s noticed an increase in the number of families with young children that are coming for assistance. “They are making decisions about paying the rent or paying for food. We’re trying to help out with the food to fill the gap.”
He is appreciative that Quality Foods is distributing grocery bags in the November 24 edition of the Weekend Shopper, published by Peak Publishing.
Manager Guy Sigouin said once the bags are filled, they can be dropped off at the store where they will be held for pickup by Salvation Army volunteers.
Robins explained that he does not have enough volunteers to go door to door so he’s grateful that Quality Foods offers to collect the bags at its location in Crossroads Shopping Centre on Joyce Avenue.
“We know there are people in need out there and all Quality Foods stores do everything possible to fill the gaps,” said Sigouin, who previously worked at the store in Parksville. “Every store in the company assists with a food drive in each community.” He added that Powell River is the only store in the chain that has a Buy a Bag program 12 months of the year because of the demonstrated need.
This is the fourth year Salvation Army has run an official food drive during the fall. In addition to grocery bags being delivered to homes, letters are sent to businesses and schools asking for assistance. “Everything that is collected here, stays for local use,” said Robins, “which is important because of where we are. In order for us to be able to continue to help, we need the donations to keep coming in. That way we can keep helping people who find themselves in a dilemma of choosing between rent, paying hydro or buying food.”
