Creemore Echo kicks off food, toy drive
The Creemore Echo is launching its annual food and toy drive.
Each Christmas, The Echo collects gifts and food for the Salvation Army Hope Acres and the Clearview Stayner Food Bank, who then pass it on to those in need.
The Echo is collecting gifts for Hope Acres’ Christmas assistance program, which distributes to about 80 families in Creemore, Everett, Glencairn, Lisle, New Lowell, Mansfield, Rosemont, Angus, Borden, Alliston and all the rural areas in between. They strive to put together a Christmas hamper, with stuffing, canned vegetables and cranberries. Breakfast items, such as pancake mix, syrup, cereal and granola bars, are also appreciated.
Major Deborah Steward said toys are needed for the younger children and gift cards (for stores such as Walmart) are needed for older children. She said other gift cards, such as movie passes, make good gifts for teens and tweens.
The Hope Acres Rehabilitation Centre is an alcohol and addiction centre that gets government funding but also relies on donations.
The money helps subsidize Hope Acre’s budget for its programming and often they must supply boots, coats and winter clothing, they are always in need of mittens, to those staying at the centre.
The Clearview Stayner Food Bank, operated by the Clearview Ministerial Association, provides for about 65 families.
Food bank coordinator Pam Royal said again this year, New Lowell residents Tim and Jennifer Meijs are donating 35 turkeys and Stayner Presbyterian Church is donating 30 hams to ensure everyone has Christmas dinner. The Stayner Lions Club contributes to and assembles the Christmas hampers and the local churches are making sure that each child receives a toy.
Royal said Huronia West OPP did a food drive on Sunday and local schools are starting their food drives so momentum is building. The food bank appreciates donations of non-perishable food all year round. They are always in need of canned soup – Royal says they go through 500-600 cans per month. Peanut butter and cereal are also in demand all the time.
“We feel so blessed and we just think the people of Clearview are amazing, whether it’s saving tapes or bringing in six cans of food we appreciate all that and it sure makes a difference to our bottom line,” said Royal. “I wish I could give everybody a hug but we do make sure we tell everyone how much we appreciate them when them come in and leave a donation.”
The Creemore Echo is also be accepting monetary donations for both Hope Acres and the Clearview Stayner Food Bank.
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.
