The Lakes District Food Bank’s annual Holiday Spirit Funding Drive is gaining momentum in Burns Lake to support those in need this holiday season.
The campaign started last Saturday during the Christmas Craft Fair and will run until the end of December.
Last year, the food bank raised $21,800 through this campaign.
READ MORE: Food bank raises over $18,000 in three weeks
Although approximately 40 per cent of the food bank’s funding comes from grants, the remainder of their funding depends on donations by individuals, groups and businesses.
“Without the support of our community, we would not be able to provide this essential service to the hungry families in our community and the surrounding area,” said food bank coordinator Candice Little.
Over the past year, the Lakes District Food Bank has undertaken several improvements to their programming, including moving from a twice-monthly to a weekly food distribution.
In February, the food bank changed from a “hamper-style” food distribution to a “shopping-style,” allowing clients the opportunity to make food choices.
In addition, last month the food bank moved into a new home in the old Playschool building across from the Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre.
“Our new home provides the additional space we need to continue to build on the much needed programming for our community,” said Little.
Holiday Spirit Funding Drive donations can be dropped off at the Lakes District Family Enhancement Society office in room 118 at the College of New Caledonia or mailed to: Lakes District Food Bank, box 777, Burns Lake, B.C., V0J1E0. Cash donations are tax deductible.
You can also help the food bank by purchasing toys at the local Red Apple store on Dec. 9, as 10 per cent of the cost will be donated to the food bank.
Lakes District Christmas Hamper Program
This year the organizers of the annual Lakes District Christmas Hamper Program partnered with the Lakes District Family Enhancement Society and the Lakes District Food Bank to make it an even more successful program.
“We felt that combining our efforts and resources would result in an opportunity to more effectively meet the intended purpose of the program, ensuring every family in need in our community has something extra special this holiday season,” said food bank coordinator Candice Little.
To sponsor a family, residents have to complete an application form indicating the size of family they are willing to sponsor. Donating money or unwrapped gift items allows organizers to fill in the hampers for families not sponsored.
“Our goal is to ensure that no family in need goes without something a little extra special this holiday season,” said Little. “All families who apply for a hamper will receive one, and wouldn’t it be lovely if we had a sponsor for each one of them?”
“We are always very aware of people around the world who are in need, and yet we have many people in our own community whose hearts would be warmed by a little extra kindness,” she added.
All hampers must be be delivered to the Lakes District Food Bank by Dec. 15.
Applications to sponsor a family, as well as applications to receive a food hamper are available at Western Financial (inside the Lakeview Mall), Service B.C. and the Lakes District Food Bank.
Donations will be accepted by the Lakes District Family Enhancement Society at room 118 at the College of New Caledonia, or mailed to box 777, Burns Lake, B.C., V0J1E0. E-transfers may also be directed to zgray.ldfes@gmail.com. For more information, visit www.ldfes.com.
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