Echo toy, food drive underway

The Creemore Echo is launching its annual food and toy drive.

Each Christmas, the Echo collects items for those in need. The gifts will be distributed through Salvation Army Hope Acres and the food will go to Clearview Stayner Food Bank.

Toys are needed for the younger children and gift cards are good for older children. Other gift cards, such as movie passes, make good gifts for teens and tweens.  The Hope Acres Christmas assistance program distributes to families in Creemore, Everett, Glencairn, Lisle, New Lowell, Mansfield, Rosemont, Angus, Borden, Alliston and all the rural areas in between.

The Echo is also accepting monetary donations for both Clearview Stayner Food Bank and Hope Acres.

Hope Acres’ Rehabilitation Centre is an alcohol and addiction treatment centre that gets the bare minimum in government funding and also relies on donations.

The money helps subsidize Hope Acre’s budget for its programming. Often they must supply boots, coats and winter clothing to those staying at the centre. They are always in need of mittens.

All food collected during the drive will be distributed by Clearview Stayner Food Bank, operated by the Clearview Ministerial Association.

Anyone in need of assistance from the Salvation Army is asked to call 705-466-3435 ext. 228 and leave a message with a call back number.

Drop all donations off at The Creemore Echo office, located at 3 Caroline St. W. The toy and food drive runs until Dec. 15.