As of Dec. 20, Interfaith Food Bank has distributed just over 900 Christmas hampers to local families.
“With two days left of distribution, we expect we will hit our estimates of at least 1,000 households this year or approximately 2,500 individuals,” notes Interfaith. “While it has been a struggle, we are confident we will be able to meet all requests for support from local families this year. We want to make sure anyone in need that while it has been challenging for food banks all year, they should feel comfortable requesting assistance – as we are committed to ensuring everyone has a chance to enjoy a merry Christmas.”
With the Christmas newsletter delayed by the recent postal strike, Interfaith has been encouraging donors to give online or in-person. Now that postal services have resumed, Interfaith is expecting further delays – but the local organization feels relieved the request for help should be received by donors in the relatively near future.
“We are currently at 83 per cent of our Christmas campaign goal with just a little over a week to go before the end of the year. We encourage those who want to receive a charitable tax receipt for their donations to have them post marked or time stamped by Dec.31 to be eligible for the 2024 fiscal year,” Interfaith adds.
Interfaith Food Bank and The Second Door Thrift Store are open additional hours this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “These additional hours give donors a bit more time to get down to the food bank with food and funds and community members the opportunity to pick up a few last-minute Christmas Gifts, décor or dishes for hosting holiday festivities.
The food bank will close at 2 p.m. Dec. 23 and will resume regular hours Jan. 2. “We will be providing additional food stock to partner agencies that can assist any families that have emergency food needs during our closure. Contact information for these supports, as well as community Christmas meals will be posted on-site and online.”
There is a secure mailbox on-site for those who stop in with financial gifts during the closure. “We will be happy to accept food donations when we return in the New Year.”
